Sonali Shah is a well-known presenter on BBC’s ‘Escape to the Country’. She assists property seekers in finding their dream homes in the scenic British countryside. Beyond her role on the show, she hosts the Sunday Breakfast show on Magic Radio and appears frequently on ITV’s ‘Lorraine’ and Channel 4’s ‘Steph’s Packed Lunch’. At 45 years old, Sonali has built an impressive career in broadcasting.
Sonali Shah’s Career Journey
Before her time on ‘Escape to the Country’, Sonali began her career in radio. In 2002, she joined the BBC World Service as a producer. She later hosted shows on BBC 5 Live, including ‘Weekend Business’ and ‘Wake Up to Money’. In 2006, her journey continued with a role as a relief presenter for ‘Newsround’, eventually becoming a main presenter by 2008.
Achievements in Broadcasting
Sonali has a diverse background in sports reporting. She provided coverage for significant events, including the Commonwealth Games and the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Additionally, her training as a dancer allowed her to compete in the 2013 charity event ‘Let’s Dance for Comic Relief’ alongside Ore Oduba, a former champion of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
Presenting ‘Escape to the Country’
In 2014, Sonali joined ‘Escape to the Country’, establishing herself as a prominent figure on the program. She works alongside notable presenters such as Alistair Appleton and Jules Hudson. She has also hosted ‘Crimewatch’ and the National Lottery Draws since 2015.
Reflecting on her experience, Sonali recently celebrated her 12-year anniversary with ‘Escape to the Country’. She expressed her optimism about the job, noting, “This is the best job in telly because I get to help someone find a home.”
Personal Life and Family
Sonali Shah was born in London to Indian immigrant parents and has one brother named Amal. She married her husband, Adarsh, in 2008. Together, they have two children: Rafi, aged nine, and Ariana, aged twelve. Although she keeps her family life mostly private, Sonali often shares touching moments on her social media. In a heartfelt post, she reminisced about a sweet moment with her daughter in 2014.
A Glimpse into Motherhood
Sonali embraces the joys and challenges of motherhood, describing it as a rollercoaster experience, especially as a working mom. Her experiences highlight the balance between her career and family duties.
Catch Sonali Shah on ‘Escape to the Country’, airing next on October 13 at 3 PM on BBC One.
