'I'VE HAD A REALLY INTERESTING LIFE'

Anna Richardson on challenging taboos and how growing up in a vicarage led to hosting Naked Attraction

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Anna Richardson may seem no-nonsense onscreen, but as we chat about her life away from telly, the presenter shows a vulnerable side.

Best known for headline-grabbing programmes such as Naked Attraction and The Sex Education Show, 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's 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 says. "It was only when 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. 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 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.