BBC’s Reeta Chakrabarti says becoming a newsreader in her 50s was ‘invigorating’
Reeta Chakrabarti has revealed in a new interview that it was “refreshing” to become a newsreader in her 50s.
The BBC presenter, 58, started out as a producer on BBC Radio 4 working on the Today programme, later taking up positions as an education and political correspondent.
She is now known for presenting BBC News on One, Six and Ten – she even traveled to Ukraine last year to cover Russia’s invasion.
But in an interview with Good housekeepingReeta revealed that she never expected to become a newsreader.
She said, ‘It’s actually pretty amazing! … I didn’t start presenting until I was 49, which normally might have been a stage where I thought being a correspondent was it.
Speaking: BBC presenter Reeta Chakrabarti, 58, has said becoming a newsreader in her 50s was ‘invigorating’
Career change: The star was previously a correspondent and said she did not expect her new role
“But instead I got this new opportunity when I was 50 and I found it very stimulating. It’s been a kind of turning point in my career.’
Reeta met King Charles – then Prince Of Wales – in 2007 and revealed she was ‘very impressed’ with what she saw.
She said: ‘I met him in 2007 at a reception at Clarence House… I was with Clare Balding, who knows him very well, and when he came to us he was very relaxed.
‘I was reporting on politics at the time and he was very interested in my work. I remember thinking, “Gosh, he must remember who everyone is in this room of 150 guests” — and it seemed like he did. I was very impressed.’
In March 2022, she presented from Lviv in Ukraine as the Russian invasion unfolded.
But the decision to leave the UK was not an easy one, especially after consultation with her husband and children.
Reeta is married to Paul Hamilton, a professor at Queen Mary University in London. The couple shares three children.
She revealed: ‘It was hard before [my family]. When asked by the BBC to go, I said, “I’d love to, but I want you to give me half an hour to talk to my husband.”
Hope for the future: As she appears to be entering her 60s, the newsreader once again looks forward to a ‘fresh start’
Familiar Face: Reeta often presents BBC News on Ten, but also appears at other times of the day
“He said, ‘I’ll worry, but if you want to go, of course you have to.'”
‘I then spoke to my children; two of them were pretty cool about it, while the third said, “I’m not going to tell you not to go, but I’m not happy.” That was hard.’
The BBC legend says she is now looking forward to what’s to come for her career in her 60s.
She added: “It doesn’t make any sense that I’m turning 60…
The June 2023 issue of Good Housekeeping will be on sale from May 4
“I tend to find that the numbers at the beginning of a decade are much better than the ones at the end, because going into a new decade feels like a fresh start.”
Reeta then revealed whether she would ever appear in a series of Strictly Come Dancing, where she would follow fellow BBC stars Naga Munchetty, Carol Kirkwood and Chris Hollins.
She continued, “You know what, I’d like to do Strictly.” But I wouldn’t do it right now because I don’t think it would fit well with the serious aspect of my job!
“I like to dance, especially when there’s disco music!”
In April, top BBC presenters, including Reeta, were targeted by letters of resignation.
Huw Edwards, Clive Myrie and Sophie Raworth are said to have also received the letters.
Some of the most famous company names have been hit with requests to consider voluntary retirement as part of cost-cutting measures.
The June 2023 issue of Good Housekeeping will be on sale from May 4.