Naked Attraction host Anna Richardson has revealed she’s ‘conflicted’ about whether to move in with her boyfriend or not as she admits: ‘I don’t want to get hurt again’
Anna Richardson may seem no-nonsense on-screen, but as we chat about her life away from telly, the presenter shows a more vulnerable side. Best known for high-profile romance with fellow presenter and comedian Sue Perkins for seven years before they split in 2020, it’s clear Anna is an open book when talking about taboos, as the conversation moves from dating to sex, psychology and everything in between.
Anna admits it hasn’t been the easiest few years for her, as she finds her feet in a new chapter of life. The 54-year-old had a high-profile romance with fellow presenter and comedian Sue Perkins for seven years before they split in 2020.
While the exes have managed to turn a romantic relationship into a strong friendship, Anna admits it has been a journey of self-discovery, with some bumps in the road. “I’ve always been in relationships, ever since I was 17, so I’m not very good at being on my own,” she admits. Anna’s revelation comes after Andy Carroll ‘split from Lou Teasdale due to her demands’ weeks after public row.
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“It was only after I split up from Sue that I spent a year on my own, and I was 50. That was a very, very difficult year for me because I’d never spent any significant time alone since being a teenager. I found it very challenging.”
Now, five years on, Anna and Sue, 55, remain close friends, having “repurposed” their love into a platonic relationship. And in 2022, Anna – who describes her sexuality as “fluid” – entered into a new relationship with her current partner, Simon Marks, after meeting through friends.
“I’m one of those people who is happier when I’m with my other half – and I literally call them ‘my other half’,” she says. “I feel complete and happier being with that person. I’m just no good at being alone. Some people are great at being alone, which is amazing, but it’s not me.”
Yet Anna also admits to being unsure about taking the next big step with charity boss Simon. Asked whether the couple have discussed moving in together, she gives a conflicted sigh.
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“We’ve been talking about it,” she says. “It’s interesting. When you’re in your mid-50s, you’re at a very different life stage. We’ve both been through breakups, we’re both more battle weary and scarred. I’m in a stable, happy and committed relationship, but you do think, ‘I don’t want to get hurt again.’ It’s hard.”
She adds, “I hope we do. But I can see why people also make the choice to stay living alone in separate properties and just continue long-term dating in that way. There’s a bit of me that thinks, ‘I’m 54. I like my flat, I like my pants on the floor and my morning routine. Do I really want my partner moving in and disrupting all that?’
“It’s something I’m still negotiating. But I recognise that ultimately, to have a successful relationship, living together is something I think you’ve got to try.”
Anna says that age has given her the confidence to take her time when it comes to those big decisions. “The younger me would have immediately hooked up with my boyfriend, moved in together and done everything together,” she says. “These days, I’m more cautious and I’m not doing things for the sake of it.”
With her wealth of experience fronting sex and relationships shows, and her own varied romantic history, it’s no surprise Anna often has people coming to her on social media for advice. And while some might feel pressured to say the right thing, Anna relishes the role of unofficial agony aunt.
“I consider it a privilege that people come to me for advice,” she says. “I’ve had a really interesting life. I was brought up in a vicarage – my dad’s a vicar and my mum’s an RE teacher. We were at the heart of our congregation and our community. The door was always open and I’ve seen people from every walk of life.
“I’ve done lots of shows about body acceptance, body positivity, acceptance in general. I’m a qualified cognitive hypnotherapist, so I find psychology and mental health fascinating. I’ve had relationships with men and women, and been through long-term relationships and breakups. So I think I’m uniquely qualified to offer people a listening ear and give them my opinion – and hopefully it’s helpful.”
It’s been quite the journey from growing up in the bosom of the church to hosting shows like Naked Attraction – where contestants choose their dates based on their naked bodies.
“I’m so open, I’m absolutely unafraid to challenge taboos and point out the elephant in the room,” explains Anna. “That has absolutely been informed by my childhood. We had an open door at our vicarage, so that’s where I found my curiosity about people and my acceptance of humanity. But there was also a strict moral code. We were held to higher standards than others, and that’s where my ability to challenge comes from, for better or for worse.”
As well as helping people find love on-screen, Anna is working with iD Mobile on its “data-a-roaming” campaign. It has found that Brits are looking for love abroad more than ever – but can be blocked by data roaming charges.
“I was intrigued to hear more people than ever are using dating apps to find love while abroad. We all love a holiday romance. In the UK, we have a ‘swipe, chat, ghost’ mentality with online dating, but abroad it can be different. You also get more of the culture if you’re meeting locals out there, so this campaign is great.”
Has Anna had any holiday romances herself? “When I was having holiday romances in the 80s, it was before the internet or mobiles, so I did it old-school,” she laughs. “I had a trip with mates from school. It was an all girls boarding school – so believe you me, I was ready for romance! It was in the South of France. I met a local boy named Julien and we had a great time.
“I’d have been all over the apps if they’d existed back then. If I could put myself in a time capsule and go back to 1987, I’d have terrorised the South of France!”
Naked Attraction ended last year, and Anna smiles at her memories of working on the Channel 4 show. “We were dealing with naked human bodies – what could go wrong?” she laughs. “There were situations, with the fellas especially, where we were dealing with the mechanics of biology. We’d have to say, ‘Do you need five minutes to cool off?’ There was always a fight in the studio about the air con – the girls wanted it cold so their boobs looked great, and the boys wanted it warm so it was more flattering for their parts!”
“We’ve had contortionists, wrestlers… but also people who were quite vulnerable. It could be a trans person who was still transitioning, or someone who wasn’t as confident in themselves. So, as much as it’s been fun, it’s also been a privilege.”
However, after 12 series of the show, Anna would like a change of speed for her next TV project. “I’d love to do The Traitors ,” she admits. “I’d 100% be a Traitor. It would completely mess with your head but, God, it would be fun!”
Source: Mirror
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