Countryfile's Anita Rani shares five-word update on love life after split from husband

By Matt Jackson, Content Editor

Anita Rani has opened up about single life (Image: ITV)

Countryfile star Anita Rani revealed she was taking life “one step at a time” as she embarked on her first holiday after her split from her husband.

Anita, 47, married technology executive Bhupi Rehal in 2009, but in 2023 the pair announced their split after 14 years of marriage. The television star said it was “sad” but admitted the couple “drifted apart”.

Anita, who has covered royal events including the coronation and late Queen’s funeral, has previously described being single as “uncharted territory”. Although she says she has a “blank slate” to work with.

Last year Anita went snowboarding in Italy, the first solo trip she had taken since the split. She explained her newfound freedom gave her the chance to travel, but had not yet given up on love.

Speaking to The Times, Anita said: “I am not afraid of solo adventures or being alone.

Anita Rani says her snowboarding trip was like a "metaphor" for her single life (Image: Getty)

"Having relied on myself from a young age, I could not wait to be independent. It took me a while but here I am, able to do whatever I want without having to think about anyone else.

“I am not planning on this being a permanent state — I like the idea of love and sharing my life — but one step at a time.”

Anita described being single as “chapter two” in her life. She said the decision to pick a snowboarding as her holiday for her first solo outing in her forties felt “poignant”.

She described hurling herself down a mountain at speed as a metaphor for her new found single life. Anita however admitted she also had a chance to “breathe for the first time” and “do what I truly want”.

Anita Rani split from her husband in her forties (Image: Getty)

Anita has previously admitted 2024 was “traumatic” but confessed it made her feel more appreciative for certain aspects of her life. When asked what she felt thankful for, she told Woman magazine: "Being alive, healthy and that my family is safe."

"It's been a very dark, very traumatic year. I'm just going to be taking a moment to remember what I've got. We've got so much to be grateful for."

Anita hopes the new year could spell a new romance however, adding: "That would be nice, wouldn't it?"

The broadcaster will tonight be appearing on Richard Osman’s House of Games. She will be competing against fellow champions Edith Bowman, Rhys James and Simon Rimmer from 6pm on BBC Two.