BBC weather presenter Elizabeth Rizzini has returned to BBC Breakfast this week, a familiar face to viewers who have seen her on regional broadcasts and the Ten O'Clock News. She has been part of the BBC since 2011.
Famous partner Frank Gardner
Rizzini's partner is Frank Gardner, the BBC Security Correspondent and author. They have been in a long-term relationship since 2019, after meeting in a lift at work. Gardner told the Mail on Sunday in October 2020: "We first met in the lift at work. I'd always admired how she was on camera and the way she presents the weather in such an engaging way." He added: "She is wonderful company; it's almost like having a first girlfriend."
In 2004, while reporting in Saudi Arabia, Gardner and his cameraman Simon Cumbers were ambushed by terrorists. Cumbers died, and Gardner was left partially paralysed and now uses a wheelchair. The couple have no children together, but each has two from previous marriages.
Celebrity Mastermind win
In 2025, Rizzini appeared on Celebrity Mastermind, with her specialist subject being singer Celine Dion. She took part to raise money for Hospice in the Weald and the Back-Up Trust. She spoke about her cousin Jo, who died in 2021 and received home care from the hospice. Rizzini said: "It was the Hospice that allowed her to have a more comfortable death, the one that she wanted, back at her home with full support from the Hospice. Not just for her but also for the immediate family that was caring for her." She won her episode, raising vital funds for the charity.
Charity work and marathon
Rizzini ran the London Marathon in 2016 for Save the Children and Médecins Sans Frontières. During training, she said: "Training has been tricky, and I've had injuries. While it's been painful at times, it has also been a pleasure, and I've really enjoyed running outdoors." She is also an official ambassador for Cats Protection, the UK's leading cat welfare charity, and has been a celebrity judge for its annual National Cat Awards.
