Chris Tarrant – Net Worth, Wife Jane Bird, Age and Current Status

Chris Tarrant is an English retired broadcaster, television personality, radio DJ, and comedian born on 10 October 1946 in Reading, Berkshire. He is best known for hosting the children’s show Tiswas and the long‑running ITV quiz Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. After more than 50 years in the industry, he announced his retirement from television in December 2024. Now 79 years old, Tarrant lives a quiet life in Australia with his long‑term partner, Jane Bird.

Tarrant’s career began in local radio, but it was his role on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? that turned him into a household name. The show ran from 1998 to 2014 and made him one of the most recognisable faces on British television. Away from the screen, he has been married twice and has four children.

In recent years, search data has revealed noticeable confusion between the broadcaster and an Australian former AFL player of the same name. This article provides a clear, fact‑based biography of Chris Tarrant (the broadcaster), addressing the most common questions about his net worth, family, current status, and the source of that persistent AFL mix‑up.

What is Chris Tarrant’s Net Worth and How Did He Earn It?

• Chris Tarrant is best known as the original host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, which ran for 15 years on ITV.
• He is considered a multimillionaire, though an exact net worth figure has never been officially confirmed. A 2006 report in the Evening Standard described him as a multimillionaire.
• Tarrant has been in a relationship with Jane Bird since 2008; they have four children together.
• Despite widespread confusion, Chris Tarrant (the UK broadcaster) did NOT play in the AFL. That is a different person.
• As of 2025, Tarrant is retired and living in Australia, with no plans to return to broadcasting.

How Old is Chris Tarrant and What is His Background?

When was Chris Tarrant born?

Christopher John Tarrant was born on 10 October 1946 in Reading, Berkshire, England. He is currently 79 years old. His early life was spent in the Berkshire area before he pursued a career in broadcasting.

How did Chris Tarrant start his career?

Tarrant began his broadcasting career in radio in 1968 at Radio 210, a local station in Reading. He later moved to London, where he became a breakfast show host on Capital Radio in 1987. His energetic style and humour quickly made him one of the most popular radio DJs in the UK. He transitioned to television in the 1990s, first with children’s programmes and then with game shows.

Who is Chris Tarrant’s Partner, Jane Bird?

Is Chris Tarrant married?

Chris Tarrant is not currently married. His long‑term partner is Jane Bird, with whom he has been in a relationship since 2008. Public records refer to them as partners rather than spouses. Tarrant was previously married twice: first to Sheila Roberton from 1976 to 1982, and then to Ingrid Dupre‑Walsh from 1991 until their divorce in 2007.

Does Chris Tarrant have children?

Yes, Tarrant has four children. He had two children with his first wife, Sheila Roberton. During his second marriage to Ingrid Dupre‑Walsh, he also lived with Ingrid’s two children from her previous marriage. One of his sons is named Toby.

What is Chris Tarrant Doing Now in 2025?

Is Chris Tarrant retired?

Yes, Tarrant effectively retired from broadcasting in 2024. He had already slowed his workload after suffering a stroke in 2014, from which he recovered well. In December 2024 he officially announced his retirement from television, bringing an end to a career spanning more than five decades.

Where is Chris Tarrant living now?

Tarrant now lives in Australia with Jane Bird. He moved there after stepping away from regular UK broadcasting. Friends have said he enjoys a quiet life out of the spotlight, focusing on his health and family. There are no announced plans for any new TV or radio projects.

Tarrant’s current status is well documented. He is retired and resides in Australia with his partner. The move Down Under has also contributed to the confusion between him and the Australian footballer of the same name, which we address next.

What is Chris Tarrant’s Connection to the AFL?

Did Chris Tarrant play Australian rules football?

No. Chris Tarrant (the English broadcaster) never played Australian rules football. The confusion arises because there is a separate person named Chris Tarrant who was a professional AFL player for Collingwood and Fremantle in the 2000s. The two share a name and nothing else.

Why do people ask “Chris Tarrant AFL”?

Search engines show that “Chris Tarrant AFL” is a common query. This is almost certainly caused by users looking for the footballer but encountering the broadcaster in results, or vice versa. The broadcaster’s move to Australia has only deepened the mix‑up. To be clear: the TV presenter Chris Tarrant has no connection to the sport.

What is Chris Tarrant’s Life Timeline?

1. 1946 – Born in Reading, Berkshire.
2. 1968 – First radio broadcast on Radio 210.
3. 1987 – Joined Capital Radio as breakfast show host.
4. 1998 – Began hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? on ITV.
5. 2008 – Began relationship with Jane Bird.
6. 2014 – Final episode of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
7. 2014 – Suffered a stroke, later made good recovery.
8. December 2024 – Announced retirement from television.
9. 2025 – Living in retirement in Australia.

What is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Chris Tarrant?

Why is Chris Tarrant a Notable Figure?

Chris Tarrant is an iconic figure in British broadcasting. His 15‑year run on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? made him a central part of UK popular culture in the late 1990s and 2000s. The show not only dominated ratings but also created the enduring catchphrase “Is that your final answer?” which Tarrant delivered with unmistakable flair.

Beyond the quiz show, his earlier work on Tiswas and Capital Radio cemented his reputation as a versatile entertainer who could connect with both children and adults. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Reading and has been widely praised for his professionalism and humour.

The strongest search demand around Tarrant centres on his net worth and personal life, followed by his current retirement status. For similar profiles of other British entertainment personalities, see Miranda Hart – Age, Height, Husband, Movies & Book.

Where Can I Find Reliable Information About Chris Tarrant?

To verify facts about Chris Tarrant’s life and career, the most authoritative sources are:

• Wikipedia – comprehensive biography with references.
• IMDb – filmography and credits.
• The Guardian – news and feature articles.
• Apple TV+ – available content list.
• Big Red Book – interview and career summary.

What is the Key Takeaway About Chris Tarrant?

Chris Tarrant is a retired British broadcaster best known for hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. He is 79 years old, lives in Australia with partner Jane Bird, has four children, and is financially comfortable though his exact net worth is not public. The persistent confusion with an AFL player of the same name is a separate case. For another detailed biography, see Anna Friel – Biography, Career, and Net Worth in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chris Tarrant