Anthea Bernice Redfern, born on April 15, 1948, in Newton Abbot, Devon, is a British former television host, best known for her role as the assistant to Bruce Forsyth on the BBC’s popular show The Generation Game during the 1970s. Her career, which spanned multiple fields including television, modeling, and entertainment, reflects a fascinating journey marked by professional achievements and personal transformations.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Anthea Redfern’s early life was shaped by her passion for performing arts, which led her to pursue a career in dancing. Her natural grace and talent for movement eventually led her into the world of modeling, where she quickly found success. Redfern worked as a model in both Paris and the United Kingdom, where her beauty and striking presence made her a sought-after figure in the fashion world. She was one of the first models to appear on The Sun’s iconic Page Three, although her image was not topless, which helped to distinguish her from the usual controversies surrounding the publication.
In 1969, Redfern’s career took another turn when she became a Playboy Bunny at the London club in Park Lane. Known by her bunny name “Sasha,” she embraced the role as part of the larger cultural movement of the time, which saw the Playboy brand grow in popularity. Redfern’s success as a Playboy Bunny helped her cement her place in the world of British entertainment, but it was her next career move that would truly propel her into the public spotlight.
The Rise to Fame on The Generation Game
In 1970, Redfern’s star continued to rise when she was crowned “Miss London.” Her visibility from this achievement, combined with her background in modeling, helped her gain even more recognition. However, it was her entrance into television that marked the defining phase of her career.
In 1971, Anthea Redfern auditioned for the role of assistant to television host Bruce Forsyth on The Generation Game, a popular family game show on the BBC. Redfern was selected from fifty-two applicants, and her career as a television personality was officially launched. As Forsyth’s assistant, Redfern’s charm, poise, and ability to engage with the audience made her a beloved figure on the show. Her time on The Generation Game would become one of the most memorable periods in British television history, and it solidified her place as a household name.
Personal Life: Marriage to Bruce Forsyth
During her time working alongside Bruce Forsyth on The Generation Game, a personal relationship blossomed between the two. Forsyth was married to Penny Calvert at the time, but in 1973, he and Calvert divorced, reportedly due to Forsyth’s affair with Redfern. The couple married on Christmas Eve of 1973 in a small ceremony at the Windsor Register Office. Their marriage lasted six years, during which they had two daughters: Charlotte and Louisa.
While their marriage was highly publicized, it also faced its challenges. In 1979, Redfern and Forsyth divorced, but they remained amicable despite the end of their romantic relationship. Redfern’s time with Forsyth not only brought her fame but also made her a central figure in British popular culture during the 1970s.
Post-Divorce: New Beginnings
After her divorce from Bruce Forsyth, Anthea Redfern went on to have another chapter in her personal life. In the 1980s, she married property developer Freddie Hoffman, and the couple had a daughter, India. However, Redfern’s second marriage was also short-lived, and she and Hoffman later divorced. Despite the ups and downs in her personal life, Redfern remained a strong figure in the entertainment world.
After her divorces, Anthea Redfern’s career took on a different shape. She continued to appear on British television, making guest appearances on various shows. One such appearance was on the popular Come Dine with Me series, which showcased her ability to remain relevant in the entertainment world even after her prime years on The Generation Game.
Life in Marbella
In recent years, Anthea Redfern has lived mostly in Marbella, Spain. Her life there has been relatively private, with occasional public appearances. The quieter life in Spain has allowed her to focus on her family and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle, far from the intense scrutiny of British media. Marbella, known for its luxury lifestyle and beautiful Mediterranean climate, seems to be the perfect backdrop for Redfern’s later years.
Legacy and Influence
Anthea Redfern’s impact on British television and popular culture remains significant, even though she has largely stepped away from the public eye in recent years. As a television host, she helped shape the image of the female assistant in British game shows, contributing to the evolution of television entertainment. Her role on The Generation Game has been remembered fondly by fans, and she remains a part of the rich history of British television.
Redfern’s journey also reflects a significant era in British society and entertainment. The 1970s was a time of changing social dynamics, and Redfern, with her mix of glamour and charm, became a figure of fascination during this period. Her success as a model, her time as a Playboy Bunny, and her role as a television host all contributed to her enduring appeal.
Conclusion
Anthea Redfern’s career and life have spanned multiple eras of British entertainment, from modeling and working as a Playboy Bunny to becoming a television icon on The Generation Game. While her personal life has been marked by highs and lows, her professional achievements remain an integral part of British television history. Today, Redfern enjoys a quieter life in Spain, but her legacy in British popular culture is secure.
Her story is a reminder of the ever-changing nature of fame and the varied paths that people take in their personal and professional lives. Redfern’s evolution from a dancer and model to a beloved television personality showcases the many facets of her life and career, making her a fascinating figure in British entertainment history.
FAQs
- Who is Anthea Redfern?
Anthea Redfern is a former British television host best known for her role on The Generation Game with Bruce Forsyth. - When was Anthea Redfern born?
Anthea Redfern was born on April 15, 1948, in Newton Abbot, Devon, England. - What was Anthea Redfern’s role on The Generation Game?
Anthea Redfern was the assistant to Bruce Forsyth on the BBC’s The Generation Game during its first run in the 1970s. - Who was Anthea Redfern married to?
Anthea Redfern was married to Bruce Forsyth from 1973 to 1979 and later to Freddie Hoffman. - Where does Anthea Redfern live now?
Anthea Redfern currently resides in Marbella, Spain, after spending much of her career in the UK.
