Susanna Reid is the lead presenter of ITV’s Good Morning Britain (GMB), a multi-award-winning journalist, and one of the most influential figures in British broadcasting as of 2026. Born on December 10, 1970, in Croydon, London, Reid has built a three-decade career spanning BBC Radio, BBC Breakfast, and ITV, where she is now the network’s highest-paid female anchor with a reported annual salary of £1.1 million.
Known for her sharp political interviewing style and empathetic human-interest reporting, Reid has navigated major media shifts, including the high-profile departure of former co-host Piers Morgan and the program’s 2026 move to a new state-of-the-art studio at ITN’s headquarters. Beyond the morning sofa, she is a prolific true-crime documentary filmmaker and a former runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing. This comprehensive guide explores her early life, her rise to the top of the UK media landscape, her financial milestones, and her influence on modern journalism.
Early Life and Acting Roots
Susanna Reid was born in Purley, South London, the youngest of three children to a nurse mother and a management consultant father. Her parents separated when she was nine years old, a period she has described as formative for her resilient nature and independent streak.
Interestingly, Reid’s first professional steps were in acting rather than news. As a teenager, she appeared in the 1985 Channel 4 drama The Price and performed in stage productions of Agatha Christie works. This early exposure to the spotlight provided her with the theatrical composure and “camera-ready” presence that would later define her broadcasting career during intense breaking news cycles.
Academic and Professional Training
Reid attended Croydon High School and St Paul’s Girls’ School before pursuing higher education at the University of Bristol. She studied Politics and Philosophy, where she served as the editor of the student newspaper, Epigram, and was even nominated for Best Student Journalist.
Following her undergraduate studies, she completed a postgraduate diploma in broadcast journalism at Cardiff University. This specialized training provided the technical foundation for her entry into the industry, focusing on newsgathering, media law, and live reporting—skills that would eventually make her a cornerstone of national television.
The BBC Breakfast Years
Susanna Reid’s rise to household-name status began at the BBC, where she initially worked as a producer for Radio 5 Live and BBC News 24. Her transition to the screen happened almost by accident when she stepped in for a missing presenter while three months pregnant with her first child.
From 2003 to 2014, she co-presented BBC Breakfast, most famously alongside the late Bill Turnbull. During this decade, she became beloved for her warmth and professionalism, helping the show maintain its position as the UK’s most-watched morning program. Her chemistry with Turnbull remains a benchmark for morning television pairings.
Transition to Good Morning Britain
In 2014, Reid made a high-stakes move to ITV to front the newly launched Good Morning Britain. This “defection” from the BBC was one of the most significant media stories of the year, signaling a shift in the breakfast TV landscape as ITV sought to challenge the BBC’s dominance.
As the lead anchor, Reid became the moral and journalistic “anchor of the network.” She successfully managed the show’s evolution through various co-hosting dynamics, most notably her six-year partnership with Piers Morgan. Since 2021, she has led a rotating panel of presenters, cementing her status as the singular face of the brand.
Documentaries and True Crime
While her mornings are spent on the GMB sofa, Reid has carved out a secondary career as a respected documentary filmmaker. Her work primarily focuses on the criminal justice system, often exploring the psychological depths of high-profile murder cases and the American penal system.
Notable Documentaries
- Death Row: Countdown to Execution: A gripping series where Reid travels to Texas to interview inmates facing imminent execution.
- The Murder of Becky Watts: An investigation into the forensic and emotional details of a tragic UK missing person case.
- British Grandma on Death Row: A deep dive into the case of Linda Carty, exploring the complexities of international law and capital punishment.
Strictly Come Dancing Success
In 2013, Susanna Reid participated in the 11th series of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with professional dancer Kevin Clifton. Her appearance on the show was a turning point, showcasing a more vibrant and personal side of her personality to millions of viewers.
Reid eventually finished as a runner-up in the grand final. Beyond the dancing, the show significantly boosted her public profile and was often cited as a contributing factor in her subsequent multi-million-pound move to ITV, as she became one of the most sought-after stars in the country.
Financial Status and 2026 Net Worth
As of 2026, Susanna Reid is widely reported to be the highest-paid female presenter on British television. Her current contract with ITV, negotiated in late 2021 and renewed in 2024, is valued at an estimated £1.1 million per year.
Her total net worth is estimated at approximately £10 million ($12.5 million). This wealth is the result of her long-term tenure at the top of the industry, her documentary productions, and various commercial endorsements. Her “strong negotiating game” during contract renewals has become a case study in media industry value.
Personal Life and Balham Residency
Susanna Reid resides in Balham, South London, and is a dedicated mother to her three grown-up sons: Sam, Finn, and Jack. She co-parents with her former partner, journalist Dominic Cotton, with whom she shared a 16-year relationship until 2014.
In recent years, Reid has described herself as part of the “sandwich generation,” balancing the needs of her university-age children while caring for her parents, who are now in their 80s and 90s. She is also a vocal supporter of Crystal Palace FC and has been teetotal since 2018 to maintain the rigorous health standards required for her early morning schedule.
Practical Information for Viewers
To engage with Susanna Reid’s work or watch her live broadcasts in 2026, the following details are essential for viewers and fans.
- Broadcast Times: Good Morning Britain airs Monday to Friday from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM.
- Channel: ITV1 and streaming via ITVX.
- Social Media: Reid is highly active on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where she shares “behind the scenes” fashion details and news updates.
- Studio Location: As of January 2026, the show broadcasts from the ITN Building in Gray’s Inn Road, London.
- Public Speaking: Reid frequently moderates major industry events and charity galas; bookings are typically handled through elite talent agencies.
Fashion and Style Influence
Susanna Reid has become a significant style icon for professional women, known for her “GMB Look”—a blend of high-street accessibility and polished elegance. She works closely with stylist Debbie Harper to curate outfits that often sell out minutes after appearing on screen.
She frequently champions British high-street brands such as Boden, L.K. Bennett, and Monsoon. Her 2025 “birthday look”—a metallic blouse paired with a leather midi skirt—became a viral fashion trend, highlighting her ability to influence consumer behavior and bridge the gap between “office-ready” and “camera-ready” attire.
Awards and Professional Recognition
Reid’s contribution to journalism has been recognized by nearly every major broadcasting body in the United Kingdom. Her ability to hold powerful figures to account while maintaining a connection with the everyday viewer has earned her lasting industry respect.
Education Background
Reid’s time at Croydon High School emphasized academic excellence and extracurriculars, including debating clubs that honed her articulation skills. She excelled in humanities, showing a knack for critical thinking that would later define her interviewing style.
At the University of Bristol, she immersed herself in philosophy debates and student media, balancing rigorous studies with social activities. Her postgraduate training at Cardiff University provided hands-on experience in newsrooms, teaching her the essentials of live broadcasting and ethical journalism.
BBC Career Beginnings
Reid launched her career in 1994 as a news producer at BBC Radio Bristol, quickly advancing to BBC Radio 5 Live in 1996. By 1997, she joined BBC News 24 as a reporter, covering general news for two years.
A pivotal moment came in 1998 when, three months pregnant, she filled in for an absent presenter on the 23:00 slot, delivering an hour-long bulletin that secured her a permanent role. This serendipitous debut marked her transition from behind-the-scenes to on-camera talent.
Radio Production Roles
Her radio days involved scripting bulletins and coordinating live segments, building resilience under tight deadlines. At Radio 5 Live, she produced sports and current affairs content, learning to handle high-stakes interviews.
These early roles taught her the rhythm of broadcast news, emphasizing accuracy and timing—skills she carried into television.
BBC Breakfast Era
From 2001 to 2014, Reid co-presented BBC One’s Breakfast, initially weekends with Bill Turnbull and later weekdays from 2012. The show aired daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, blending news, weather, and features.
She became known for her warm yet probing style, interviewing politicians and celebrities alike. Her tenure overlapped with major events like the 2008 financial crisis and royal weddings, where her steady delivery earned viewer trust.
Reid’s partnership with Turnbull was particularly popular, fostering a relatable chemistry that boosted ratings. She stepped away briefly for maternity leave but always returned stronger.
Transition to ITV
In 2014, Reid left BBC after 13 years to join ITV’s relaunched Good Morning Britain (GMB), co-presenting Monday to Thursday from 6:00 AM. The move was controversial, dubbed the “breakfast wars,” as she competed against her former BBC colleagues.
Her debut episode on April 28, 2014, drew 700,000 viewers, setting a tone of bold journalism. GMB under Reid focused on live debates, often polarizing audiences with unfiltered discussions.
Good Morning Britain Highlights
GMB airs weekdays on ITV1, with Reid interviewing figures like prime ministers and stars. Episodes run two hours, covering headlines, politics, and lifestyle segments.
Reid’s confrontational approach shone in clashes with politicians, such as grilling Boris Johnson on Brexit. The show’s studio is at ITV’s London headquarters in White City.
Reality TV Appearances
In 2013, Reid competed on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, partnering with Kevin Clifton to reach the final as runners-up. Her samba and jive routines captivated 10 million viewers weekly.
The experience boosted her profile, revealing her athletic side beyond news desks. She later reflected that it improved her confidence in high-pressure environments.
Reid also appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox in 2020 with Robert Rinder, offering casual commentary on TV clips for Channel 4.
Documentary Work
Since 2017, Reid has presented gritty ITV documentaries like The Murder of Becky Watts – Police Tapes. These explore true crime, using police footage for raw insights.
Titles include John Worboys: The Taxi Cab Rapist (2018) and British Grandma on Death Row (2022), airing in prime time. Her narration combines empathy with forensic detail.
In 2020, Death Row’s Women with Susanna Reid examined female inmates’ stories, drawing 3 million viewers. These specials cement her as a serious investigative journalist.
Voice Acting Roles
Reid voiced Grandma Rosiepuff in the UK version of 2016’s animated film Trolls. Her warm tone added charm to the character in songs and dialogues.
This one-off venture showcased her versatility, bridging news and entertainment. Fans appreciated the surprise casting of a broadcaster in family animation.
Awards and Honors
Reid holds an Honorary Fellowship from Cardiff University since 2015, recognizing her journalism contributions. She has been nominated for TRIC Awards multiple times for GMB.
In 2019, she won the Outstanding Daytime Presenter at the National Television Awards. Her work earned her a place in broadcasting halls of fame discussions.
Personal Life
Reid was in a long-term relationship with Dominic Cotton, a former BBC producer, from 1998 to 2014. They share three sons: Sam (born 2000), Finn (2005), and Luke (2008).
Post-separation, she focused on co-parenting amicably. In 2021, she began dating Terry Baker, an entrepreneur, keeping much private.
She resides in Wandsworth, London, balancing early GMB call times with family dinners. Reid advocates for work-life balance in interviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Susanna Reid’s current salary at ITV?
As of 2026, Susanna Reid earns a reported £1.1 million annually. This makes her the highest-paid female presenter at the network, following a successful contract negotiation in late 2021.
How many children does Susanna Reid have?
Susanna has three sons: Sam, Finn, and Jack Cotton. She shares them with her former long-term partner, Dominic Cotton, and they all reside in South London.
Why did Susanna Reid leave BBC Breakfast?
She left in 2014 to join ITV’s Good Morning Britain. The move was motivated by a desire for a new challenge and the opportunity to lead a flagship show during its launch phase.
Is Susanna Reid married?
No, Susanna Reid has never been married. She was in a relationship with Dominic Cotton for 16 years and later dated Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, but she currently keeps her dating life private.
What is Susanna Reid’s net worth in 2026?
Her estimated net worth is approximately £10 million. This includes her broadcasting salary, documentary work, and property investments.
Where does Susanna Reid live?
She lives in Balham, a vibrant neighborhood in South London. She has lived in this area for many years and frequently mentions her local community in interviews.
Does Susanna Reid drink alcohol?
Reid has been predominantly teetotal since 2018. She initially gave up alcohol for health reasons and to improve her sleep quality for her 4:00 AM wake-up calls.
What university did Susanna Reid attend?
She attended the University of Bristol for her undergraduate degree in Politics and Philosophy and later attended Cardiff University for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.
Does Susanna Reid have any health conditions?
She has spoken openly about suffering from tinnitus, a permanent ringing in the ears. She has used her platform to raise awareness about the condition and how to manage it.
What are Susanna Reid’s documentaries about? Most of her documentaries focus on true crime and the legal system. She has produced several specials for ITV’s “Crime & Punishment” season, including interviews with inmates on death row.
Final Thoughts
Susanna Reid remains the undisputed “Queen of Breakfast Television,” a title earned through three decades of journalistic rigor and an uncanny ability to connect with the British public. Her evolution from a BBC newsroom producer to the high-stakes anchor of Good Morning Britain reflects the broader shifts in modern media: the move toward personality-driven news, the rise of digital-first broadcasting, and the increasing demand for transparency and empathy from public figures.
Reid’s career trajectory serves as a blueprint for longevity in an industry often criticized for its turnover. By diversifying her portfolio into high-impact true-crime documentaries and maintaining a disciplined personal brand, she has insulated herself against the volatility of the morning TV landscape. Whether she is grilling a Prime Minister or comforting a grieving family, her presence on screen continues to define the tone of national conversation in the United Kingdom.
Looking ahead, Reid’s influence is likely to expand further into executive production and media mentorship. As she continues to shatter glass ceilings regarding pay equity and age representation for women in broadcasting, her legacy will be measured not just by her ratings, but by the path she has cleared for the next generation of journalists.
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