Changing Rooms' Anna Ryder Richardson very different new life at Welsh zoo

Wales Online

07-05-2025

Changing Rooms' Anna Ryder Richardson very different new life at Welsh zoo
Changing Rooms icon Anna Ryder Richardson has been on a rollercoaster since the show came to an end in 2004, with the interior design expert now running a zoo
Anna Ryder Richardson now owns a zoo in Pembrokeshire
(Image: Anna Ryder Richardson )
Since her stint as one of the stars of the iconic 90s show that revolutionised the nation's living rooms, Anna Ryder Richardson has embarked on a rather unusual journey post-Changing Rooms, which ended in 2004.
The interior design legend, Ryder Richardson, graced our screens alongside Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen in the BBC reality series that spanned 10 seasons.
‌
Her passion for design was ignited while working in a children's interior shop, leading her to establish her own interior design company. She made her TV debut with her own design segment on GMTV in 1996.
‌
During this period, she formed a friendship with celebrity chef Ainsley Harriot, who introduced her to some producers, paving the way for her to become one of the key designers on Changing Rooms.
After the show wrapped up in 2004, Anna participated in I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2007, becoming the sixth contestant to exit the jungle, reports the Mirror.
Interestingly, the jungle wasn't the only place where Anna encountered wildlife. She surprisingly became the founder of Manor Wildlife Park, a zoo nestled in rural Pembrokeshire.
Article continues below
Anna with the Changing Rooms gang
(Image: PA )
Alongside her ex-husband, the designer purchased and revamped the zoo in 2008. Her remarkable mission to restore the site into a Welsh tourist attraction was documented in the TV series Chaos at The Zoo.
Under their management, the zoo has seen significant improvements, including the construction of a £300,000 rhino house and the introduction of new species such as lions, zebras, and parrots.
‌
Owning the zoo was never an easy journey for the couple, and it eventually took a toll on their marriage. They divorced in 2017, with a statement to Mail Online revealing that "stresses and strains and expense of running our wildlife park have destroyed our marriage".
The conflict spilled into the public eye shortly after their separation as they found themselves embroiled in a bitter legal dispute over ownership, which she referred to as being in a "horrid limbo".
While speaking on the 'How To Be 60' podcast, the 61 year old shared with Loose Women presenter Kaye Adams: "I am enjoying a bit of celibacy, to be honest... but we've dived straight in there, haven't we? I'm officially still married for another few weeks."
Article continues below
She reflected on the ordeal, saying, "It's been probably the worst time, I think. It's actually been going on for such a long time. Have I wasted all that time? Being in this horrid limbo and control and not really living my life, even though I look like them."
As of October 2024, it appears the dispute has been settled, with Ryder Richardson resuming her role at the zoo.
In a recent statement, the ex-television personality expressed her enthusiasm: "I am very excited, it has been a long time coming, but I am finally back with my beloved animals, incredible team, and excited to greet our visitors into the park. I have huge plans for the future of Manor Wildlife Park."