Angela Rippon was born on 12 October 1944 in Plymouth, Devon, England. Her father, John Rippon, was a Royal Marine, and her mother, Edna, was a seamstress.

She left school at 17 and began her career in journalism as a trainee reporter for the Western Morning News, later moving into radio and television reporting with the BBC.

Rippon rose to national prominence in 1975 when she became a regular presenter on BBC Nine O’Clock News, making history as the first woman to anchor the programme. She later hosted a wide range of shows, including Top Gear and Come Dancing.

In 2009, she became a co-presenter of Rip Off Britain on BBC One, where she investigates consumer issues and scams affecting the public. In 2024, Angela took a sabbatical from the show, however, the producers have said that the doors remain open for her return.

She continues to work in broadcasting and advocacy, particularly around health and ageing, while living in the UK and maintaining a private personal life.