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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zoe Delaney

Anna Richardson defends Naked Attraction as she reveals how she achieved body confidence

Anna Richardson has passionately defended Naked Attraction from its critics.

The popular presenter has pointed out how inclusive the Channel 4 series can be, and explained how the dating game show promotes body positivity.

Anna, 51, also spoke about how she has switched her priorities over the years - going from being a 'serial dieter' to accepting her body in her fifties.

The former Supersize Vs Superskinny presenter now doesn't worry too much about what dress size she is these days, preferring to focus on healthy eating and following a plant based diet.

Anna has been hosting Naked Attraction - where all the contestants appear in their birthday suits - since the show first aired in 2016.

Speaking to Closer magazine, the TV star claimed embracing nudity can do wonders for our self-esteem.

Anna Richardson says the Channel 4 show helps promote body confidence (Channel 5)

The presenter admitted that when she took the hosting gig on, she knew she'd have to defend the show from critics who think it's pornography, but the star stresses that it's nothing of the sort.

"As much as it's funny, and we laugh along, there's a much deeper meaning to being naked which is about acceptance, identity and individuality," Anna explained to the publication.

She continued to point out that over the years, Naked Contestant has had contestants of all shapes, ages and sizes appear on screen - including members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Anna says seeing nudity on-screen can help us embrace our own bodies (Channel 4)

After discussing the show's inclusivity, Anna added: "I must have seen thousands of naked people, who are absolutely cool with themselves and who are like 'This is who I am,' and that's very liberating.

"There's something great about being able to look at ordinary bodies, while you're like 'Actually my body's not so bad, I look a bit like that'. It's about acceptance."

Elsewhere in her interview, Anna opened up about her attitude to her own body has changed over the years.

Anna has grown to love her body as she's grown older (© Channel Four Television Corporation)

The presenter - who split from long-term partner Sue Perkins last year - hasn't eaten red meat for over 40 years and tried to eat a plant based diet 'as much as she can'.

After rising to fame hosting diet culture shows like Secret Eaters, Anna admits she's finally grown to accept her bodies in her fifties.

She explained how once you hit 50 and 'go through the menopause', you begin to accept your body and the focus shifts to wanting to be fit and healthy.

"I don't necessarily chase that ideal of having to squeeze into a size 10 dress any more," the star confessed.

Anna and the comedian went their separate ways last year (PA)

Last year, Anna and her former girlfriend Sue Perkins shocked fans when they announced their split, after six years together.

Anna had been in a relationship with her boyfriend Charles for 18 years before getting together with Sue in 2013.

Speaking at the time of the split becoming public knowledge in August 2021, a source close to the former couple described the break-up as 'amicable' and said both Anna and Sue are hoping to remain friends.

"After so long together it wasn’t an easy decision to make and they both did so with heavy hearts," they told MailOnline.

"But Sue and Anna are determined to remain friends and keep in touch."

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