Anna Richardson is presenting The Sex Education Show
She's currently exploring the ins and outs of British Sex Lives on Channel 4's The Sex Education Show from diseases to childbirth but has anything really shocked Anna Richardson? We grab her for a chat to find out.
Hi Anna, Thanks for taking the time to talk to Female First. Can you tell us abit about what the new series, Sex Education, is about?
The Sex Education Show is a new primetime magazine show on Channel 4 which takes an accessible, educational and entertaining look at the nation’s attitude to sex, both through the programme itself and the supporting website sexperienceuk.channel4.com. There’s nothing else like it on TV, and is a much needed service.
What does the show hope to achieve?
That’s simple. To get people talking openly and frankly about sex - whether they’re 17 or 70. To encourage parents to talk honestly to their children, and to motivate teenagers to get educated before they embark on their own sexual adventure. Given the UK’s shocking statistics on teenage pregnancy and STI rates, that can only be a good thing.
Why do you think teenage pregnancy and STI's are on the rise?
We live in a society where sex sells...it’s everywhere...in music, advertising, the media. It would be extremely difficult not to be affected by sex, given its accessibility in our culture. Couple that with basic sex education, a permissive society, lack of responsibility and an unwillingness to talk frankly about sex and relationships and here we are...with the highest rate of teen pregnancy in Europe. I’m not making any judgement - it’s just fact.
What can be done to combat them?
Phew! It’s an incredibly complex area and it’s not really for me to be making any social or political comment on that. All I can tell you, from a purely personal viewpoint, is that we are staggeringly ignorant and often irresponsible when it comes to sex. Now, how do you tackle that? In schools? At home? I really don’t know what the answer is. You can be the most informed person going and still fall pregnant accidentally, or catch an STI in the heat of the moment. I guess it all comes down to personal responsibility and knowledge.
In the show you talk to the studio audience including everyone from pensioners to teenagers. What age group has been the most open?
The real eye opener about this series has been the fact that once you get people to open up about sex, you really can’t stop them talking! We’re greedy to share experiences and knowledge - and that goes across the generations. In a way, I’ve particularly valued what older people have to say - they’ve lived their lives and are wise, experienced and accepting. It’s always a joy to learn from them.
While doing the show has anything really shocked you?
Yes. The fact that despite the risk of catching a disease we’re still lazy about using condoms. It’s incredible...and yet I’ve done it myself.
In the show you explore what it's really like to give birth. How did you do that?
That was an unbelievable day! Myself and the crew went to a hospital in Chester in the hope that we would find a woman who would allow us to film her while she was in labour. Incredibly, this amazing young couple agreed to let us be present throughout the birth of their daughter. I was with them for over 24 hours; slept on the labour ward; went through every birth pang; until baby Willow made her entrance into the world. I was so emotional (and tired) I cried!
We previously saw you in Supersize vs Superskinny. What was it like presenting that?
Hah! A rollercoaster of a job! Not easy to try a different diet every week for 8 weeks. I wasn’t prepared for how much it would affect me physically and emotionally. Something clicked though – I’ve since lost 2 stone.
Could you live by any of the diets or techniques you tried?
People literally stop me in the street to ask me this. What works? Three things: hypnosis, sensible eating and a bit of exercise. That’s it. There’s no magic pill I’m afraid.
Did anything you discovered really shock you?
YES. That people will go to ANY lengths to lose weight. Even taking banned pharmaceuticals that are potentially life threatening. How mad is that?
What part of the show did you enjoy the most?
What I love about all the jobs I do is meeting people. I find other people’s lives endlessly fascinating.
You are also the development executive on 'You Are What You Eat' , is highlighting health issues an important cause for you?
Hmmmm...not necessarily just health. Highlighting issues that affect us all, with openness and honesty, excites me.
As well as presenting, you write for publications and produce. Which role do you prefer to do?
That’s a very difficult question to answer. Writing, producing and presenting all have their differing attractions and pitfalls. Writing can be a very frustrating and insular job, but allows regular hours and is highly creative. Producing is a high octane, stressful and exciting job which can lead to burnout. And presenting is often fun and joyful, but your very soul is scrutinised. It can be hurtful being judged on surface qualities. The bottom line is though, I love to communicate, and as long as people are prepared to watch, listen or read I guess I’ll keep banging on!
The Sex Education Show, Tuesdays at 8pm Channel 4