Angela Rippon Biography Angela May Rippon CBE born 12 October 1944 is an English broadcaster, journalist, writer, and former newsreader. Rippon began her career presenting radio and television news in South West England before moving to BBC One’s Nine O’Clock News in 1975, where she became a regular presenter. She was the first female journalist to secure a permanent role presenting BBC national television news and was the third female news presenter to appear on British national television, following Barbara Mandell on Independent Television News (ITN) in 1955, and Nan Winton, who briefly presented the national news on BBC Television in 1960. In addition to her news career, Rippon appeared on the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show in 1976, hosted the first two series of Top Gear, and presented Come Dancing.
Angela Rippon Biography
Angela May Rippon CBE born October 12, 1944, in Plymouth, Devon, England is a renowned English television presenter, journalist, writer, and former newsreader. With a career spanning over five decades, she has become a trailblazer in British broadcasting, admired for her versatility and professionalism.
Angela Rippon Biography Details 2025
| Born | Angela May Rippon 12 October 1944 (age 80) Plymouth, Devon, England |
| Occupations | Journalist newsreader writer presenter |
| Years active | 1966–present |
| Notable credits | BBC News Come Dancing Rip Off Britain Holiday Hit Squad Amazing Greys GB News |
| Spouse | Christopher Dare (m. 1967; div. 1989) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
About Angela Rippon
Angela May Rippon CBE is an English broadcaster, former newsreader, writer and journalist. Rippon presented radio and television news programmes in South West England before moving to BBC One’s Nine O’Clock News, becoming a regular presenter in 1975.
- Born: 12 October 1944 (age 80 years), Plymouth, United Kingdom
- Spouse: Christopher Dare (m. 1967–1989)
- Parents: Edna Rippon, John Rippon
- Height: 68 m
Early Life
Angela May Rippon was born on 12 October 1944 in Plymouth, Devon, into a working-class family. Her father, John, was a Royal Marine, and Rippon first met him in 1947 when he returned from World War II. Her Scottish mother, Edna, worked at a fine china company, Lawley’s, and was also a seamstress. Rippon attended the Public Secondary School for Girls on Cobourg Street in Plymouth.
Family Background
Angela Rippon was born to John Rippon, a Royal Marine, and Edna Rippon, a seamstress. She first met her father in 1947, after his return from World War II. Raised in a working-class family, she attended the Public Secondary School for Girls in Plymouth. Her upbringing shaped her strong work ethic and resilience, which would define her successful career.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
At the age of 17, Rippon began her journalism career at the Western Morning News and Sunday Independent. She later joined BBC local radio and Westward Television as an editor. In 1966, she made her television debut with BBC South West. By 1975, she became a regular presenter on BBC One’s Nine O’Clock News, making history as the first female journalist to hold a permanent role presenting national news.
Angela’s versatility extended beyond news presenting. She appeared on the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show in 1976, showcasing her dancing skills. She also hosted the first two series of Top Gear and presented the Eurovision Song Contest in 1977. In the 1980s, Rippon co-founded and presented TV-am, further solidifying her place in British broadcasting history.
Notable Works and Achievements
Rippon’s career boasts numerous significant works. She hosted Come Dancing from 1988 to 1991 and presented shows like Top Gear, Antiques Roadshow, The Holiday Programme, Crufts, How to Stay Young, and The Truth About Dementia.
Since 2009, Rippon has co-presented Rip Off Britain on BBC One alongside Gloria Hunniford and Julia Somerville. In recognition of her contributions to broadcasting, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2004 and was later honored as Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2017 for her services to dementia care.
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
In 2023, Angela made history as the oldest contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, earning widespread acclaim. The BBC celebrated her 80th birthday with a special on-air party on The One Show, and BBC Four dedicated an evening to her career, including a documentary and re-runs of some of her most iconic shows.
Personal Life and Relationships
Angela was married to engineer Christopher Dare in 1967, but the couple separated in 1989 and later divorced. They had no children. Rippon has discussed the challenges of balancing her high-profile career with personal life, acknowledging the strain her celebrity status placed on her marriage. Despite the end of her marriage, she has maintained a positive outlook and has been in long-term relationships since.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Rippon has authored 14 books, including children’s stories about a character named “Victoria Plum” in the 1980s.
- She made a memorable appearance on the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show in 1976, where she showcased her dancing talents, a moment that remains iconic in British television history.
- Angela served as chair of the English National Ballet from 2000 to 2003, demonstrating her love for the arts.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Angela is a patron of the Old Time Dance Society and has long supported the arts. Her work with dementia care, inspired by her parents’ experiences, led to her receiving the CBE in 2017. Her legacy in broadcasting is marked by her pioneering role as a female newsreader and her ability to succeed across a variety of television genres.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Angela Rippon remains an influential figure in British media, with recent appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and ongoing involvement in consumer advocacy programs. She continues to be a role model for women in media and a champion for health and the arts.
Angela Rippon Net Worth 2025
With a career that spans journalism, television presenting, and writing, Angela Rippon’s net worth is estimated at approximately $10 million. This wealth reflects her successful and enduring presence in the broadcasting industry.