Sophie Raworth's life - George Alagiah friendship, marriage, idyllic family life

25 July 2023 , 14:41
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Sophie Raworth is embarking on a new stand in role taking over from Andrew Marr fronting Sunday Morning politics show
Sophie Raworth is embarking on a new stand in role taking over from Andrew Marr fronting Sunday Morning politics show

Broadcast journalist Sophie Raworth has been one of the main and most-recognised presenters on BBC News for many years.

She can be seen mostly on BBC News at Six and BBC News at Ten - with her most recently paying tribute to her colleague George Alagiah after he died at the age of 67.

Last year, Sophie briefly took over on BBC's Sunday Morning, temporarily replacing Andrew Marr as host after he stepped down after more than two decades with the channel.

The presenter is such a huge household name that she was even named in the broadcaster's highest-paid presenters list.

Presenters Huw Edwards, Fiona Bruce and Sophie Raworth raked in the highest salaries for the newsreaders this year.

BBC announces five main presenters for new TV channel - as major stars snubbed qeituiutiqkzinvBBC announces five main presenters for new TV channel - as major stars snubbed

As seen in the reports, Sophie rakes in around £365,000 - £369,999 thanks to her hard work.

So with this in mind, we take a look at her achievements both on and off screen from rising through the ranks of the BBC to her happy home life and 18 years marriage.

Early Career

Sophie, 53, started her career in regional journalism as a Beeb trainee in 1992 and went on to report for Greater Manchester Radio. She later moved to Brussels as a BBC Regions correspondent.

Heading home she returned to Leeds and her first presenting role on BBC Look North before being offered a step up to national news and BBC Breakfast News in 1997 as a co-presenter.

Sophie Raworth's life - George Alagiah friendship, marriage, idyllic family lifeSophie started out a BBC regional trainee and has risen through the ranks to become of the channels top earners (BBC)

Notable highlights

Sophie has stepped out of the newsroom for many notable occasions including to broadcaster from the Oscars in Los Angeles, in Washington for Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial, and during a special programme for the Queen’s golden jubilee celebrations in 2002.

She hosted BBC Breakfast alongside Jeremy Bowen from its launch in 2000 and has also presented election night coverage, Watchdog, Crimewatch and the Chelsea flower show.

Sophie Raworth's life - George Alagiah friendship, marriage, idyllic family lifeSophie Raworth and husband Richard have been married for 18 years
Sophie Raworth's life - George Alagiah friendship, marriage, idyllic family lifeSophie took on a judging role for the Costa Book of The Year

Life outside the beeb

Outside of her BBC job, a quick look at her enviable Instagram feed shows her other passions are for fiction and a fitness.

Her love of the former saw her called upon to chair the panel of judges for the Costa Book of the Year award.

She has also proved herself to be a keen runner and has taken on numerous marathons for various charities.

In April 2018 the journalist completed an ultra-marathon, the six-day, 251 kilometre Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert.

BBC News forced off air after sudden evacuation of studioBBC News forced off air after sudden evacuation of studio
Sophie Raworth's life - George Alagiah friendship, marriage, idyllic family lifeSophie Raworth with her medal at the finish line of the Virgin Money London Marathon on the Mall (PA)
Sophie Raworth's life - George Alagiah friendship, marriage, idyllic family lifeSophie presenting from The Chelsea Flower Show (Lia Toby/WENN.com)

She often shares shots of her sporting achievements on Instagram and even took a dip on Boxing Day as Hyde Park.

She captioned the post: "Boxing Day madness. 6 minutes 250 metres 6C @serpentineswimmingclub debut dip."

But it's her home life which has proved a constant source of stability throughout her high-flying career and is happily married to husband Richard Winter.

The two got married on December 13, 2003, at a local church in London. They have gone on to have three children together - Georgia and Ella Rose, and a son, Oliver.

Top earners

According to the BBC’s list of star salaries from July 2021, Raworth is remunerated with an annual salary of £280,000 - £284,000.

Two years later, her salary increased to a whopping £365,000 - £369,999.

Presenters Huw Edwards, Fiona Bruce and Sophie Raworth raked in the highest salaries for the newsreaders this year.

Huw, who was previously praised for his coverage of the late Queen Elizabeth II's death, is the highest-paid news anchor, earning between £435,000-£439,999 in the last financial year.

Meanwhile, fellow newsreader Fiona, who presents Question Time, takes home an eye-watering £395,000 - £399,999.

Friendship with George Alagiah

George Alagiah died 'peacefully' at the age of 67 earlier this week after spending the last decade living with bowel cancer.

His colleagues and friends, including Naga Munchetty and Sophie, were among the stars to pay tribute to one of the BBC’s longest-serving and most-respected newsreaders.

Sophie Raworth's life - George Alagiah friendship, marriage, idyllic family lifeGeorge and Sophie knew each other for over 20 years (BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images)

Last night, Sophie revealed that George, who joined the BBC in 1989, had wanted to deliver a final message to viewers himself, but never got the chance to return to air.

Sophie Raworth told viewers: "I saw him just a few weeks ago. He told me he had hoped to come back to work one last time to say thank you and goodbye, right here, live on air in the studio.

"He didn't get the chance, so we have done it for him. I will leave you now with his own words."

The star also reminisced about launching the Six O'Clock News with George back in 2003.

"George was a man of great values and indomitable spirit, a big smile, a velvety laugh, a great friend," she said of her late friend.

Zara Woodcock

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