After being married for 14 years, Anita Rani's life took a turn last September when she announced her split from her ex-husband, Bhupi Rehal. The 47-year-old Countryfile presenter has shared insights about her tumultuous year, highlighting both challenges and newfound independence. "It's been a very dark, very traumatic year. I'm just going to be taking a moment toremember what I've got. We've got so much to be grateful for," she told Woman magazine.
Reflecting on her new single status, Rani expressed optimism and excitement for what lies ahead. "I feel like I've steppedinto a place I never, ever expected myself to be in. I'min uncharted territory. I'm asingle, Asian woman with no children, and do you know what? I love it!" she said, relishing the blank slate before her.
Returning to her flat, purchased two decades ago but rarely inhabited, Rani has transformed it to reflect her current lifestyle. With elements inspired by the suggestion of friends, she describes it as "a Parisienne dream house." She adorned her space with lovely cream drapes, white floorboards, and dusky pink accents, creating what she calls her little sanctuary.
On December 27, Rani took her audience on a new exploration of real estate on the show Celebrity Escape to the Country. "All of a sudden I have this urge to be somewhere different and do somewhere different," she remarked, delving back Into property viewings. She had her eyes set on finding something quaint and within her budget of £875,000.
Anita toured various impressive properties across Hastings and Rye, and even ventured to Dungeness, where she found herself enamored with one converted Scout Hut. While it boasted three bedrooms and held great potential, the hefty price tag of £850,000 certainly gave her pause. "I probably don’t know what I want yet, so I’m probably quite difficult to work with," Rani candidly confided during her searches.
Despite her struggles with indecision, some fans expressed skepticism about her level of interest. Social media users shared mixed opinions, with one commenting, "There’s no way Anita Rani is interested in any of these homes shown. It’s all just for the programme. The fake enthusiasm is nauseATING."
Some felt she was merely playing up her reactions for the camera and questioned whether she was genuinely investing time and energy for finding her dream home, or if it was scripted for entertainment.
Later on the program, Anita’s interest shifted when she spotted the local scenery during one viewing. Initially enthusiastic, she dramatically shifted her tone. Upon noticing residents casually walking by her potential new home, she joked, "Damn it, it’s off, forget it," playfully acknowledging her reluctance to live under the watchful eyes of neighbors.
Despite her charming aura and her ability to navigate the camera’s gaze, her newfound confidence at being single—and her ability to make light of her situation—thrilled admirers. Rani's confidence blossomed as she embraced the idea of being single with no children, stating: "I have never feltbetter, sexier, more powerful, or more excited about the future."
Anita's friends and acquaintances, including Alistair Appleton from Escape to the Country, have been supportive of her transition, highlighting the importance of this phase of her life.
While her search for the ideal property continues, Rani's resolve to explore new possibilities shines through. Balancing her successful career with personal growth offers her the prospect of not merely finding the perfect living space but establishing herself anew.
No single route defines how Anita will move forward, but as she steps boldly to embrace this "uncharted territory," one certainty remains: Rani is ready to reclaim and reshape her life, even if homeownership takes more time to navigate. “It’s liberATING to know I’m single now,” she had radiated when her divorce was first made public. This experience has become symbolic of her own evolution and self-discovery.
