
Elizabeth Rizzini: The Truth About the BBC Weather Star and the Disability Rumors
Have you ever tuned into the BBC for your local forecast and found yourself captivated by the calm, knowledgeable presenter explaining the week’s weather? If you’re a fan of BBC London or national news bulletins, that friendly face likely belongs to Elizabeth Rizzini.
Recently, her name has been popping up in search engines for a surprising reason: “Elizabeth Rizzini disability.” If you’ve been curious, you’re not alone. This search trend has sparked a wave of questions and, unfortunately, a fair bit of confusion. So, let’s set the record straight and dive into the fascinating life and career of this beloved BBC weather presenter.
Who Is Elizabeth Rizzini? A Quick Bio
Before we untangle the rumors, let’s get to know the woman behind the weather map. Elizabeth Rizzini is a seasoned British meteorologist and broadcaster, best known for her reliable and engaging weather presentations on the BBC.
- Age: Born on November 19, 1975, in London, England, she is 49 years old as of 2025.
- Education: She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Journalism and Climate Change from the University of Westminster, a qualification that fuels her passion for explaining complex weather and environmental issues.
- Languages: Thanks to time spent living and studying in France and Spain, she is fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian.
- Family: Elizabeth is a devoted mother to two daughters from a previous marriage. She shares her South London home with her children, two cats, and two guinea pigs, describing herself as a “supermum and superb plate-spinner” on social media.
From the Met Office to Your TV Screen: A Stellar Career Journey
Elizabeth’s path to becoming a trusted BBC face wasn’t an overnight success. It was built on solid training and a genuine passion for her subject.
Her professional journey began with rigorous meteorological training at the UK’s Met Office. This technical foundation allowed her to transition seamlessly into broadcasting. Her big break came in November 2010 when she joined BBC South East Today.
From there, her career forecast was decidedly sunny. She quickly became a familiar face across the BBC network:
- BBC London, Look East, and Points West.
- BBC World and the BBC News Channel.
- Prestigious national bulletins like BBC News at Six, One, and Ten.
Beyond the daily forecast, Elizabeth has carved out special niches. She’s a space weather enthusiast, producing weekly “stargazer” forecasts, and even had her Mars rover landing forecast featured on Channel 4’s Gogglebox. A passionate tennis fan, she’s a regular fixture presenting the weather from Wimbledon each summer.
Career Highlights at a Glance:
- 2010: TV debut on BBC South East Today.
- 2019: Made her national BBC One debut.
- 2021: Won Celebrity Mastermind, raising funds for Hospice in the Weald with Celine Dion as her specialist subject.
- 2025: Continues as a regular presenter on BBC News at Ten, Six, and One.
Personal Life: Love, Family, and Frank Gardner
Elizabeth’s personal life is marked by warmth and resilience. She was previously married to an Italian man, with whom she shares her two daughters. The couple divorced in 2016.
Since around 2019, she has been in a relationship with Frank Gardner, the renowned BBC Security Correspondent. Gardner is a respected journalist and author who was tragically shot six times while on assignment in Saudi Arabia in 2004, leaving him partially paralyzed and a wheelchair user.
Their relationship went public when Elizabeth appeared in Frank’s deeply personal 2020 BBC Two documentary, Being Frank: The Frank Gardner Story, which candidly explored life with his disability. In interviews, Elizabeth has spoken movingly about the “iceberg disability” – the visible challenge of the wheelchair hiding a multitude of daily struggles like chronic pain and accessibility issues.
Clearing the Air: The “Elizabeth Rizzini Disability” & “Hips” Misconception
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. The frequent search for “Elizabeth Rizzini disability” is based on a widespread misunderstanding.
The truth is: Elizabeth Rizzini does not have a disability.
The confusion arises entirely from her relationship with Frank Gardner. Because he is a high-profile figure who speaks openly about his life as a wheelchair user, online searches have mistakenly associated the term “disability” with Elizabeth herself. As one source plainly states, “Elizabeth doesn’t have a disability. She’s able-bodied”.
Similarly, curious searches about “Elizabeth Rizzini hips” appear to stem from the same root confusion about her partner’s physical condition, not her own. These rumors underscore how easily misinformation can spread online, often overshadowing a professional’s actual achievements.
Net Worth & Lifestyle: The Forecast is Sunny
With a successful, decade-long career at the BBC, Elizabeth has built a comfortable life. While BBC salaries are not publicly disclosed, her estimated net worth is between $1 million and $3 million.
Her income primarily comes from her role as a BBC weather presenter. While she maintains a relatively private life, her social media shows glimpses of a balanced, family-oriented lifestyle in South London. Her passions include running (she’s completed the London Marathon for charity), tennis, astronomy, and her menagerie of pets. She values her role as a communicator and mother above the trappings of fame.
Social Media Presence: Connecting Beyond the Forecast
Elizabeth is active online, offering fans a peek behind the scenes:
- Instagram (@lizzieweather): She shares weather-related content, occasional personal moments, and her love for tennis and family.
- X (formerly Twitter): Used for professional updates and engaging with viewers.
- LinkedIn: Maintains a professional profile highlighting her broadcasting career.
What Is Elizabeth Rizzini Doing Now? (2025 Update)
If you’re wondering, “What has happened to Elizabeth Rizzini?” the answer is simple: absolutely nothing dramatic.
As of 2025, Elizabeth is still doing what she does best: presenting the weather on the BBC. She continues to be a regular face on national news bulletins, delivers her specialized astronomy forecasts, and covers the Wimbledon tournament each summer. She remains in a committed relationship with Frank Gardner, and together they navigate life with grace and privacy. In an era of constant oversharing, Elizabeth’s ability to maintain a high-profile career while keeping her personal life dignified is truly commendable.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does Elizabeth Rizzini have a disability?
A1: No. Elizabeth Rizzini does not have a disability. The rumor is a misconception stemming from her partner Frank Gardner’s condition.
Q2: How old is Elizabeth Rizzini?
A2: She was born on November 19, 1975, making her 49 years old as of 2025.
Q3: Is Elizabeth Rizzini married?
A3: She is not currently married. She is in a long-term relationship with BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner.
Q4: What is Elizabeth Rizzini’s net worth?
A4: Her estimated net worth is between $1 million and $3 million, earned through her career at the BBC.
Q5: What happened to Elizabeth Rizzini? Why are people searching for her?
A5: Nothing has happened. People search due to curiosity about her relationship with Frank Gardner and the resulting disability rumors. She is still actively presenting the weather on the BBC.
Q6: Who is the disabled BBC weather presenter?
A6: This search might be confusing Elizabeth with another presenter. However, a well-known BBC weather presenter who is disabled is Judith Ralston, who has bravely spoken about having a prosthetic arm.
Conclusion: More Than Just Rumors
Elizabeth Rizzini’s story is one of professional dedication, personal resilience, and quiet dignity. While internet searches may initially be driven by curiosity about “disability,” her true legacy is her 15-year career as a trusted BBC meteorologist, her advocacy for environmental understanding, and her supportive role alongside Frank Gardner.
She reminds us that behind every trending search term is a real person with a rich, complex life far beyond the rumors. The next time you see her explaining a weather front on BBC News, you’ll know you’re watching a consummate professional who has built a remarkable life and career on her own terms.
What’s your favorite thing about Elizabeth’s presenting style? Are you a fan of her Wimbledon forecasts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!