Rob Rinder: ‘I’m just like Judge Rinder in real life!’
Rob Rinder opens up about life as telly’s most-loved judge, his scary brush with Coronavirus and his excitement as Strictly returns
He’s used to being in control, so Rob Rinder’s battle with Covid, back in April, left the 42-year-old somewhat lost for words. Not something one would expect from a man whose career, both on and off the television, requires him to speak
– a lot! Chatting to best from his Islington home, the former Strictly star is his warm, engaging self, as he opens up about his weight battles over the years, how reality TV got him through the bad times and his ‘main man’…
Rob, you had Coronavirus quite badly earlier this year. How are you feeling now?
Great, thanks. I always talk about feeling privileged with what I have in life and that applies more than ever now, I am so grateful for my health! I mean, I had some really ugly symptoms. I was so ropey – it was the most horrific two weeks of self-isolation. My battle with Coronavirus was awful. It’s a very frightening disease. People have to follow the government advice – you simply do not want to get this wretched illness.
Is it true you turned to reality TV to help pass the time?
Absolutely. I don’t watch myself on television, as who does that sort of thing? Judge Rinder is off-limits. I’ve discovered the Kardashians and Below Deck. I mean, that shows how poorly I really was, that I had to sink to such levels!
Talking about reality TV, how true-to-life is Judge Rinder?
Everybody asks me this question and I can honestly say it is all real. Nothing is fake. I preside over genuine small-claim disputes and just so happen to do so on television, and what happens in that court is true life. These people choose to air their disputes on camera;
I have seen every sort of legal case and what I have learned is that anyone, no matter what their class or background, has the capacity to be stupid.
You’re the picture of health. What’s your secret?
Well, I have always had difficulty losing weight – I have the worst relationship with food, as I am a comfort eater. I loved the fact that once the first lockdown eased, I was able to resume my exercise at Barry’s Boot camp, which I swear by as it is the best sweaty challenge! No mobile phones are allowed, everything is socially distanced and the time goes so quickly. It has helped me tone up. I also have my main man in my life – Rocco, my French bulldog, who I adore. He keeps me on my toes.
You also love to dance. Do you ever reflect back on your time on Strictly in 2016?
I like to dance but am I good at it? That’s a different matter. Strictly was an incredible show to be a part of. It was an absolute joy, because, as a man, I was allowed to enjoy it in a different way from the women taking part. I’d show up and often forget my kit and go downstairs to Sainsbury’s and buy a pair of pyjamas and nobody would comment on my outfit.
You are backing boxer Nicola Adams to win. Why?
Because she’s a friend and I couldn’t be happier to see her make history, as the first celebrity to be part of a samesex female pairing on the show. I’m definitely Team Nicola!
Do you get recognised all the time when you are out?
Yes I do, and I mean it when I say that everyone I have ever met has been universally polite. I’m not sure if it is because they are scared I may send them to prison – but I get no negativity and I embrace everyone who stops me for a selfie. If you put yourself in the public eye, like I do, then it is your duty to your fans.
You did
Who Do You Think You Are? – how important was it for you to share your grandad’s story?
That programme was lifechanging and very emotional for me to be a part of. The episode attracted over 1.4m viewers, more than any other episode. My grandfather was a Holocaust survivor and I went back to where his family were in Poland. I feel an enormous responsibility to tell his story to the world. It is incredibly painful hearing those stories, to ever think about your loved one having suffered, but the lessons of the Holocaust are more important than ever.
Any other TV shows in the pipeline?
Well, as you know, TV production has pretty much ground to a halt. We can’t really make live shows at the moment – but I have lots of things planned. So watch this space!