Angela May Rippon, born on October 12, 1944, in Plymouth, Devon, England, is a distinguished English television presenter, newsreader, writer, and journalist. She holds the notable distinction of being the first female journalist to secure a permanent role as a presenter on the BBC’s national television news. Throughout her extensive career, Rippon has been a prominent figure in British broadcasting, contributing significantly to both television and radio.
Early Life and Education
Angela Rippon was born into a working-class family in Plymouth. Her father, John Rippon, was a Royal Marine who returned from World War II in 1947, when Angela was three years old. Her Scottish mother, Edna, worked at a fine china company called Lawley’s and was also a seamstress. Angela attended the Public Secondary School for Girls on Cobourg Street in Plymouth. At the age of 17, she left school and began her career in journalism by joining the photographic office of the Western Morning News.
Personal Life
In 1967, at the age of 22, Angela Rippon married Christopher Dare, an engineer. They separated in 1989 and later divorced. The couple did not have any children. Rippon has mentioned that the end of her marriage was very painful and that her celebrity status was a contributing factor. She has had subsequent long-term relationships but has expressed contentment in being single.
Throughout her life, Rippon has maintained a graceful and professional appearance. While specific details about her height are not publicly available, she is known for her poised demeanor and elegant style, which have made her a respected figure in British broadcasting.
As of 2025, Angela Rippon’s net worth is estimated to be around £10 million. This wealth has been accumulated through her extensive career in journalism, television presenting, writing, and various other ventures in the media industry.
Angela Rippon’s enduring presence in the broadcasting world and her contributions to journalism have solidified her legacy as a trailblazer for women in media.
Family
Angela Rippon was born into a working-class family in Plymouth, Devon, England. Her father, John Rippon, was a Royal Marine who served during World War II and returned home in 1947 when Angela was three years old. Her mother, Edna Rippon, was of Scottish descent and worked at a fine china company called Lawley’s, while also taking up sewing as a seamstress.
Angela was their only child and grew up in a disciplined yet loving household. Her parents played a significant role in shaping her strong work ethic and resilience, values that later contributed to her success in journalism and broadcasting. Despite her busy career, she has often spoken fondly of her upbringing and the influence of her parents in her life
Detailed Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Angela May Rippon |
| Date of Birth | October 12, 1944 |
| Place of Birth | Plymouth, Devon, England |
| Parents | John Rippon (Father), Edna Rippon (Mother) |
| Height | Information not publicly available |
| Marital Status | Married Christopher Dare in 1967; separated in 1989; divorced later; no children |
| Net Worth | Estimated at £10 million as of 2025 |
Career
After her initial role at the Western Morning News, Rippon worked for the Sunday Independent and later for BBC local radio and Westward Television as an editor. In 1966, at the age of 21, she began her television career at BBC South West in Plymouth, before becoming a reporter for BBC TV news. She first presented a national news program on BBC2 in 1974. For a fortnight, she replaced newsreader Richard Baker on BBC One’s Nine O’Clock News and was subsequently offered a permanent newsreading role on that program in 1975. This appointment made her the first female journalist to read the news regularly on national television.
Beyond news presenting, Rippon showcased her versatility by appearing on the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show in 1976, presenting the first two series of Top Gear, and hosting Come Dancing. In 1977, she had the honor of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest. She was also a presenter and co-founder of the breakfast television franchise TV-am. In the 1990s, Rippon transitioned to radio, presenting daily news programs for LBC Newstalk between 1990 and 1994. She also appeared on Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast as a stand-in newsreader. Since 2009, she has co-presented the BBC One consumer show Rip Off Britain alongside Gloria Hunniford and Julia Somerville. In recent years, she has made occasional appearances on GB News.
In addition to her broadcasting career, Rippon has written fourteen books, toured with a production of “Anything Goes,” and presented a segment of BBC One’s “The One Show.” She has also been involved in various charitable activities and served as the chair of English National Ballet.
Latest News
As of February 2, 2025, Angela Rippon has stepped back from her role on the BBC’s consumer affairs program, “Rip Off Britain,” to focus on other projects. Former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin has taken over her position on the show. Angela’s decision follows her participation in “Strictly Come Dancing” and its live tour earlier in 2024.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Angela Rippon on Twitter | |
| Angela Rippon on Facebook | |
| Angela Rippon on Instagram |
Physical Appearance
Angela Rippon has maintained a graceful and professional appearance throughout her career. While specific details about her height are not publicly available, she is known for her poised demeanor and elegant style, which have made her a respected figure in British broadcasting.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Angela Rippon’s net worth is estimated to be around £10 million. This wealth has been accumulated through her extensive career in journalism, television presenting, writing, and various other ventures in the media industry.
Angela Rippon’s enduring presence in the broadcasting world and her contributions to journalism have solidified her legacy as a trailblazer for women in media.
FAQS
- What has happened to Angela Rippon?
Angela Rippon recently stepped back from Rip Off Britain after participating in Strictly Come Dancing and its live tour in 2024. - Did Angela Rippon ever marry?
Yes, she married Christopher Dare in 1967, but they separated in 1989 and later divorced. - What is Angela Rippon famous for?
She is famous for being the first female journalist to present BBC national news and for her extensive TV career. - Has Angela Rippon got kids?
No, Angela Rippon does not have any children.
