Sonali Shah is a familiar face on our screens, having presented Newsround, Escape to the Country and is now starring in BBC’s Pilgrimage which launches on Friday, 29 March. But away from TV, Sonali has a fascinating life, from her private family life to writing children’s books and an impressive talent.
The BBC presenter, who also hosts Magic FM, was raised in Edgware, London, by her parents who moved from India, along with her younger brother Amal. She went to Longfield First and Middle School, followed by Whitmore High School in Harrow.
She later studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University. After finishing her degree, she joined the BBC World Service as a producer in 2002 and began presenting on The World Today and World Business Report.
Sonali Shah is a familiar face on TV having presented Escape to the Country and Newsround
(Image: BBC)
Since then, she’s been a host on many shows like Sportsround, BBC’s coverage of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, Commonwealth Games and BBC One’s British Olympic Dreams. From her time on TV, Sonali has found herself with a bunch of celebrity pals including Strictly Come Dancing stars Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec, along with Nicki Chapman, the late Jonnie Irwin and Jules Hudson.
Not just a presenter, Sonali is also a trained dancer, having trained for over 10 years. The 43 year old specialises in Streetdance, Indian classical and Indian folk dance.
Sonali with Strictly Come Dancing stars Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec
(Image: Instagram/Sonali Shah)
Sonali Shah, Nicki Chapman, Jonnie Irwin and Jules Hudson in 2023
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
She even danced to Hey Ya! by Outkast for BBC’s Let’s Dance for Comic Relief. Although she didn’t make it to the final round with her co-presenter on Newsround, Ore Oduba, she still loves to dance and occasionally shares her moves on Instagram.
Sonali is happily married to Ardash Shah and together they have two children, Ariana who was born in 2013, and Rafi who was born in 2016. The couple, who live in London, keep their family life mostly private, but in 2020, to mark International Daughters Day, Sonali shared an adorable newborn snap of Ariana.
The doting mum added the caption on Instagram: “I took this photo almost 7 years ago… Ariana used to sleep on my shoulder… now she rests her head on my shoulder when she stands so tall next to little ol’ me. My mum is right, there’s nothing quite like having a daughter.”
In a past chat with Baby Magazine, Sonali described motherhood as a “rollercoaster”. Sonali shared: “I know it’s a cliche expression but life as a mum is the ultimate rollercoaster especially because I’m a working mum.”
She spoke about the crazy days rushing around before work and the precious moments when she can relax and appreciate her life. The TV star also spoke to the Express about wearing two dresses on her wedding day to husband Adarsh.
Sonali danced to ‘Hey Ya!’ by Outkast with Ore Oduba for BBC’s Let’s Dance for Comic Relief
(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
The TV presenter tends to keep her family life away from the spotlight
(Image: Instagram/Sonali Shah)
She said: “I spent two weeks in Mumbai and designed them myself. Saris are the closest things I have to couture.” Adding to her achievements, Sonali has also written a children’s book.
Sharing the exciting news on social media, she revealed: “Popped into @waterstonestrafsq over the weekend to see if #TheBestDiwaliEver is actually IRL bookshops…I had to see it to actually believe it…was a proper pinch me moment…”
She excitedly announced: “I HAVE WRITTEN A BOOK AND IT’S IN AN ACTUAL BOOKSHOP.” The book, which is called The Best Diwali Ever, is about a girl aiming to win the rangoli competition and celebrate the best Diwali.
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