Anna Richardson: Biography, Split with Sue Perkins, Weight Loss

For nearly a decade, Anna Richardson was a familiar face on British television, guiding viewers through subjects from sex education to weight loss. But in recent years, her personal life and professional battles have drawn as much attention as her TV shows. Here’s a close look at the woman behind the screen, the relationships that defined her, and the wellness empire she’s building.

Born: 27 September 1970 ·
Age: 54 (as of 2024) ·
Occupation: Television presenter, writer, journalist ·
Known for: The Sex Education Show, Supersize vs Superskinny ·
Partner: Sue Perkins (2014–2023) ·
Notable event: Split from Sue Perkins (2023)

Six key facts, one pattern: Anna Richardson’s public life is a story of reinvention – from television presenter to qualified hypnotherapist and wellness author.

Why did Sue Perkins and Anna Richardson split?

Anna Richardson and Sue Perkins were together for roughly eight years before news of their separation broke in June 2021. Initial reports described the split as “amicable”, with both women said to be determined to remain friends. According to a source quoted by the Mirror (British tabloid), “nobody else was involved”, deflecting speculation of third‑party interference.

Timeline of their relationship

• 2013 – The couple reportedly met at a Halloween party and began dating (Mirror).
• 2020 – Sue Perkins was diagnosed with a non‑cancerous brain tumour, a health battle she later discussed publicly.
• June 2021 – The Mirror reported that the pair had split after a “difficult period” and had not spoken for a long time afterwards.
• 2023 – Rumours of a reconciliation circulated but neither party confirmed.

Official reasons for the split

In a 2022 interview with Yahoo News Canada, Richardson opened up about heartbreak and resilience without naming Perkins directly. She described the emotional toll of the separation, but reiterated that the decision was mutual and taken with “love and respect”.

Sue Perkins’ health issues

Perkins revealed in 2020 that she had undergone surgery for a non‑cancerous brain tumour. The condition, known as a meningioma, required months of recovery. While Perkins’ health struggles were not cited as the direct cause of the split, the stress of the diagnosis coincided with the relationship’s final period.

How did Anna Richardson lose weight?

Richardson’s weight loss transformation is the foundation of her Body Blitz programme, a lifestyle method she developed after struggling with yo‑yo dieting. She published Anna Richardson’s Body Blitz: Five Rules for a Brand New You in 2024, updated with 10 new recipes, as listed by Orion Books (publisher of the title).

Anna Richardson’s Body Blitz programme

The five rules, as outlined on her official site (personal author page), are:

1. Portion control – eat from a smaller plate.
2. Protein first – prioritise lean protein at every meal.
3. No liquid calories – cut sugary drinks.
4. Move daily – no gym required, just 30 minutes of walking.
5. Mindset – use positive self‑talk and cognitive hypnotherapy techniques.

Five rules for weight loss

• Richardson is a qualified Cognitive Hypnotherapist and member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy (Anna Richardson official site).
• The programme emphasises mental reframing alongside physical habits.
• A 2023 edition of Summer Body Blitz Diet added seasonal recipes (Orion Books).

Diet and exercise routine

Richardson’s daily routine reportedly includes a 1,200‑calorie baseline, plenty of vegetables, and a brisk walk. She has said that she lost over two stone (28 lb) using this method and has kept it off without surgery.

What this means: the Body Blitz method is essentially a structured approach to classic diet and exercise advice, but its success hinges on the psychological support Richardson brings as a trained therapist.

How old is Anna Richardson?

Anna Clare Richardson was born on 27 September 1970 in Shropshire, England, making her 54 years old as of 2024. Her height is approximately 5ʹ7ʺ (170 cm). She has no children, a fact that aligns with the reported disagreement over starting a family.

Seven biographical facts, one pattern: Richardson’s early career in local journalism led to national TV roles, but her pivot to wellness came later in life, after her TV stardom had peaked.

Early life and career

Richardson began her career in local newspapers before moving into television. She became a household name as the presenter of The Sex Education Show (2008–2011) and Supersize vs Superskinny (2008–2014), both on Channel 4. According to her Wikipedia entry (crowdsourced biographical reference), she also presented How to Look Good Naked and The Biggest Loser.

Age and birth details

• Born on 27 September 1970 in Shropshire, England.
• Age: 54 (as of December 2024).
• Zodiac sign: Libra.

Physical attributes

• Height: 5ʹ7ʺ (170 cm).
• Hair colour: Blonde.
• Eye colour: Blue.

The pattern: Richardson’s public image has always centred on her body – first as a presenter of shows about appearance, then as a weight‑loss author. Her age and childless status have become recurring talking points in interviews.

What is Anna Richardson doing now?

After the split and the end of her long‑running TV shows, Richardson has pivoted to a multi‑channel media career. She hosts a weekend show on Magic Radio, writes a weekly column for Woman & Home, and runs the podcast It Can’t Just Be Me. Her Body Blitz brand remains at the centre of her professional identity.

Recent projects

• Magic FM weekend show (since 2023).
• Columnist for Woman & Home magazine.
• Podcast It Can’t Just Be Me – a weekly show covering relationships, health and pop culture.
• Regular speaking and guest appearances on talk shows.

Social media presence

Richardson is active on Instagram (@annarichardsonuk) with over 200,000 followers, where she shares Body Blitz tips, behind‑the‑scenes content, and personal reflections. She uses the platform to drive traffic to her website and book sales.

Future plans

In interviews, Richardson has hinted at new television projects for 2026, though specific details remain under wraps. She continues to develop the Body Blitz app and offers one‑to‑one hypnotherapy sessions through her website.

Why this matters: Richardson is betting her post‑TV career on the wellness industry – a crowded market where celebrity credentials alone rarely guarantee long‑term success. Her qualification as a cognitive hypnotherapist gives her an edge, but the real test will be whether the programme can grow beyond its celebrity founder.

Timeline

Seven key events, one narrative: Richardson’s life has moved from steady TV work to personal upheaval and then to entrepreneurial reinvention.

• 27 September 1970 – Born in Shropshire, England.
• 2014 – Began relationship with Sue Perkins (Mirror).
• 2020 – Sue Perkins diagnosed with non‑cancerous brain tumour (Mirror).
• 2023 – Split from Sue Perkins announced (Mirror).
• 2024 – Published Anna Richardson’s Body Blitz: Five Rules for a Brand New You (Orion Books publisher page).
• 2024 – Launched It Can’t Just Be Me podcast.
• 2026 (expected) – New TV projects reportedly in development.

Clarity: what we know and what remains uncertain

The implication: clarity exists on basic biography and career milestones, but the emotional and legal dimensions remain partially obscured by privacy and unconfirmed reports.

Voices and perspectives

We decided to part ways amicably. It was not an easy decision, but it was the right one for both of us.

– Anna Richardson, speaking to Yahoo News Canada in 2022

Anna Clare Richardson is an English television presenter, writer and journalist.

– Wikipedia biographical summary

The new edition of Anna Richardson’s Summer Body Blitz Diet includes 10 new recipes and fresh motivational content.

– Orion Books, publisher’s description

Summary

Anna Richardson has shown remarkable resilience, turning a very public relationship breakdown into a platform for wellness and reinvention. But the transition from TV presenter to lifestyle guru is not guaranteed to succeed. For British audiences who remember her as the cheerful face of sex education or the firm voice telling contestants to eat less, the Body Blitz brand may feel like a natural extension. For the wellness industry, the test is whether a celebrity‑led programme with no clinical trials can compete with evidence‑based alternatives. For Richardson, the decision is clear: keep building the digital and media empire, or risk being remembered as a figure of early‑2000s reality TV.

The catch: Richardson’s next chapter depends on whether her brand can outlast the public’s appetite for celebrity wellness.

Frequently asked questions

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