Elizabeth Rizzini: A Closer Look at the BBC Weather Presenter's Life and Career
Elizabeth Rizzini is a prominent British journalist and weather presenter for the BBC, recognized for her roles on BBC South East and Look East. Beyond her on-screen presence, she has produced and presented programs such as Newsround and Antiques Roadshow on BBC and BBC One. Her personal life, particularly her relationship with journalist Frank Gardner, often remains private, adding an air of intrigue to her public persona.
Profile Summary and Background
Born on November 19, 1975, in London, England, Elizabeth Rizzini is 51 years old as of 2026. She holds British nationality, identifies as white ethnically, and is fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian. Standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall, she has dark brown hair and brown eyes. Professionally, she is a Met Office-trained meteorologist with a Master’s degree in environmental journalism, specializing in climate change reporting.
Career Highlights and Salary Insights
Elizabeth Rizzini joined the BBC in 2011 and has since become a familiar face in weather forecasting, appearing across regional and national bulletins. Her career includes covering major weather events and engaging in public climate education. While her exact salary is not publicly disclosed, estimates suggest BBC weather presenters earn between £35,000 and £50,000 annually, with potential for higher earnings based on experience. In contrast, top BBC earners like Gary Lineker command salaries exceeding £1.3 million per year.
Personal Life and Relationship with Frank Gardner
Elizabeth Rizzini is divorced and has two children from a previous marriage to an Italian man, which ended in 2016. She is currently in a relationship with Frank Gardner, a BBC Security Correspondent. Gardner, aged 65 as of 2026, was shot six times in Saudi Arabia in 2004, resulting in paralysis from the hips down. Their relationship became public in 2019 after they were seen together in London, and they have since shared moments on social media and in documentaries, such as Being Frank: The Frank Gardner Story in 2021.
Family and Privacy
Rizzini maintains a low profile regarding her family, with her children kept out of the public eye. She regularly visits extended family on the Isle of Wight and enjoys hobbies like caring for pets, including two cats and guinea pigs. Her style on-air has occasionally sparked social media discussions, reflecting audience engagement with broadcasters' appearances.
Additional Facts and Trivia
- She participated in marathons like the Great North Run in 2015 to raise funds for Save the Children.
- Rizzini is known for her fluency in multiple languages and preference for floral dresses.
- Frank Gardner has two daughters from his previous marriage and continues to inspire others with his resilience post-injury.
Elizabeth Rizzini exemplifies a balance between a successful broadcasting career and a private family life, earning admiration for her professionalism and personal strength.
