Anna Richardson: “I can’t wait for the first naked wedding”
Presenter Anna Richardson opens up about life on the set of TV’S most controversial dating series – and what her partner, Sue Perkins, really thinks of the show…
As the host of Channel 4’s A Naked Attraction since it launched in 2016, Anna Richardson has become well acquainted with the nation’s bare bodies.
The controversial dating series shows people choosing potential love interests just by looking at them naked. And as it returns for a third season, Anna says we can expect the most outrageous contestants yet.
She smiles, “Series three is bigger and better, and the contestants push the boundaries more than ever before. For me, it’s the best series in terms of the people picking their dates, too.
“We’ve got a guy with cystic fibrosis, a lady with excess body hair, an older man in his 50s and even a polyamorous couple looking for a third person to join their relationship.”
The TV host adds, “It always surprises me that people have the confidence to stand there completely naked, but there’s something wonderful about their lack of inhibition. The studio is always warm, too – which definitely keeps the boys happy!”
PRESSURE TO LOOK PERFECT
And Anna believes the show can genuinely help those looking for love.
“There have been some success stories – especially James and Gemma, who were on the show last year and are still incredibly happy together,” she says.
“I’m hoping there may be a naked engagement in the not-too-distant future, which would be marvellous. And I want there to be an actual naked wedding where I can turn up in just a giant hat and a bikini!”
However, while Anna, 47, says the contestants are confident about flaunting everything on TV, she reveals she’d be a little more reserved.
She explains, “I think my generation struggles with the idea of people wanting to take off their clothes. I personally wouldn’t want to go on the show because when I was young and single, it was the late ’80s. You had to meet someone the old-fashioned way – at the pub or on your course at university.
“So, for me, it doesn’t feel relevant. Back in the day it would have been inconceivable for me to take off my clothes on TV.”
She adds, “I’ve written two diet books and presented a million diet shows, but I’ve struggled all my life with body confidence and the pressure of having to look perfect.
“I’m not body confident at all, actually – I’m certainly not Davina Mccall. I couldn’t go around posting bikini photos of myself – mainly because I just really like food and can’t be arsed to exercise a lot.
STRUGGLING WITH MENOPAUSE
“Also, at nearly 48, I’m going through the menopause and currently really struggling with how your hormones can completely change your body!”
Nevertheless, she and her partner, ex Bake Off host Sue Perkins, 48 – whom she met in 2014 at a Halloween party following her split from her partner of 18 years, Charles Martin
‘I’ve struggled all my life with body confidence’
– still enjoy watching the show together.
Anna says, “The show never fails to make me laugh or smile and Sue loves it. We sit and giggle together and we play along, too. I never tell her who the contestant picks – so she has to guess!
“Sue is very vocal as a gay woman, so we also really appreciate the conversation about gender, identity and fluidity – she’s a big fan.
“But we just like watching anything that is gripping and will bring out real emotion. Sue and I will just sit and cry at shows like Ambulance or 24 Hours In A&E. We basically spend the night weeping and eating ice cream.”