When it comes to breaking barriers in British television, few personalities shine as brightly as Ria Hebden. From her engaging presence on ITV’s morning shows to her groundbreaking work championing diversity in the media industry, she has carved out a remarkable career that inspires countless women across the creative sectors.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 2, 1983, Ria Hebden’s journey to television stardom began with a solid educational foundation. She attended Brunel University London from 2001 to 2004, where she graduated with a 2:1 BA Honours degree. This academic achievement laid the groundwork for what would become a multifaceted career spanning publicity, broadcasting, and entrepreneurship.
Her connection to Brunel University came full circle decades later when she received an Honorary Degree from the institution in July 2025. This recognition celebrated her exceptional work with Wonder Women, the organization she founded to champion diverse voices in the television industry.
Personal Life: Family and Balance
Behind the camera lights and television appearances, Ria Hebden maintains a grounded personal life. Ria Hebden husband Mark has been her partner since they married in 2012, providing a stable foundation throughout her career’s many pivots and achievements. Together, they have two children, and the family is based in London, where she balances her professional commitments with motherhood.
The relationship between Ria Hebden and her husband Mark exemplifies the support system that enables her to juggle multiple roles—from television presenter to entrepreneur to mother. While she maintains privacy around her family life, she occasionally shares glimpses of this balancing act, resonating with working parents everywhere.
Television Career: Breaking New Ground
Current Broadcasting Roles
Since January 2020, Ria Hebden has served as the entertainment editor on ITV’s popular morning show Lorraine. In this role, she brings viewers the latest celebrity news, entertainment updates, and exclusive interviews, becoming a familiar and trusted face on British morning television.
Her television portfolio extends far beyond a single show. She co-presents All Around Britain alongside Alex Beresford, a role she’s held since 2020. The show takes viewers on journeys across the UK, exploring local culture, communities, and hidden gems. Additionally, she presents BBC One’s Sunday Morning Live and hosts a show on BBC Radio London, showcasing her versatility across different broadcasting formats.
Historic Achievements
One of the most significant milestones in her career came in 2020 when she made history alongside Sean Fletcher. They became the first mixed heritage couple to present a BBC daytime show, a groundbreaking moment that reflected the changing face of British television and the increasing recognition of diverse representation on screen.
Her work on All Around Britain earned her a nomination for a Royal Television Award, cementing her status as a respected broadcaster. She’s also hosted prestigious events, including BAFTA Film Awards red carpet coverage for BritBox America and reported for Good Morning America during the historic King’s Coronation, bringing her unique perspective to international audiences.
Celebrity Appearances and Charity Work
In January 2022, Ria Hebden showcased a different side of her personality when she participated in Dancing on Ice series 14. Although she was eliminated second, the experience demonstrated her willingness to step outside her comfort zone and try new challenges on camera.
Her celebrity appearances have also served charitable purposes. Through her participation in shows like Celebrity Catchphrase and The Chase, she raised over £130,000 for charity—a testament to her commitment to using her platform for good. She’s also appeared on Celebrity Mastermind and Richard Osman’s House of Games, further establishing her as a versatile television personality.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: Building Platforms for Change
Wonder Women TV
Perhaps her most impactful contribution to the industry came in 2016 when Ria Hebden founded Wonder Women TV. This inspirational women’s organization champions diverse women at mid-senior levels in television, addressing a critical gap in the industry where talented women—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—often struggle to advance.
As Founder and CEO, she has built an influential network that elevates underrepresented women in TV and the broader creative industries. Wonder Women TV offers year-long mentorship programs, masterclasses led by industry leaders, and hosts the annual Wonder Women Conference, which brings together professionals for networking and skill-building.
She also hosts The Wonder Women TV Podcast, where she conducts in-depth conversations with women who have achieved success in media, exploring their journeys, challenges, and advice for the next generation.
Carpe Diem Media Productions
Expanding her entrepreneurial footprint, Ria Hebden founded Carpe Diem Media Productions, a production company focused on telling bold, diverse stories. This venture allows her to move beyond presenting into content creation, ensuring that the stories being told on screen reflect the rich diversity of modern Britain.
From Publicity to the Spotlight
Before becoming a household name on television, Ria Hebden worked behind the scenes as a high-impact publicist. After graduating from Brunel University, she landed positions with major entertainment companies including Channel 4 and Twentieth Century Fox. Her publicity work extended to Disney, Discovery, and Fox, where she honed skills in media relations, storytelling, and understanding what captures audience attention.
This background in publicity proved invaluable when she transitioned to on-camera work. She understood the media landscape from the inside, knew how to craft compelling narratives, and had already built relationships across the industry—advantages that helped propel her broadcasting career forward.
Advocacy and Recognition
Charitable Commitments
Beyond her professional achievements, Ria Hebden dedicates time to charitable causes. She serves as a Patron for the MAMA Youth Project and works as an Ambassador for Peer Power, using her visibility to support organizations that make tangible differences in young people’s lives.
Industry Recognition
Her contributions to the television industry have earned widespread recognition. She’s a BAFTA voting member, giving her a voice in recognizing excellence in British film and television. She’s also received multiple National Diversity Award nominations, acknowledging her tireless work championing diversity in media and television.
These accolades reflect not just her individual success but her commitment to opening doors for others who have historically been excluded from opportunities in the industry.
Hosting and Event Work
Ria Hebden’s talents extend to high-profile event hosting and moderation. She regularly serves as an awards host and moderator for film premieres, awards shows, and global media events with major organizations including Disney, ScreenSkills, MIPCOM, and PromaxUK.
Her hosting portfolio includes prestigious ceremonies such as the PromaxUK Awards, the Production Guild of Great Britain Television & Film Inclusion Awards, and the Diversify Media Awards in Cannes. These roles position her at the intersection of entertainment and advocacy, where she can celebrate achievement while promoting the industry values she champions.
Notable Interviews and Journalism
Throughout her broadcasting career, she has conducted interviews with A-list celebrities including Harrison Ford, Idris Elba, Kim Cattrall, John Boyega, Gary Barlow, and Sandy Toksvig. These conversations go beyond surface-level celebrity chat, often delving into important issues including the #MeToo movement and diversity in entertainment.
Her interviewing style combines warmth with substance, creating spaces where celebrities feel comfortable discussing meaningful topics while entertaining audiences.
Legacy and Ongoing Impact
What sets Ria Hebden apart in the crowded landscape of television presenters is her dual commitment to personal excellence and systemic change. She hasn’t just climbed the ladder herself—she’s actively building new ladders for others to follow.
Through Wonder Women TV, she’s created sustainable infrastructure for change in the television industry. Through her on-screen work, she’s normalized diverse representation in British broadcasting. And through her advocacy, she’s kept important conversations about inclusion and equity at the forefront of industry discussions.
As she continues to balance multiple roles—presenter, entrepreneur, mother, advocate—Ria Hebden exemplifies what it means to use success as a platform for positive change. Her journey from university graduate to industry trailblazer offers inspiration to anyone who believes that media should reflect the full spectrum of human experience.
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