Christa Ackroyd: The Life, Career and Legacy of a Yorkshire Broadcasting Icon

Christa Ackroyd is one of Yorkshire’s most recognisable and enduring broadcast personalities. With a career spanning over forty years across newspapers, radio and television, she has established herself as a trusted voice in regional journalism. From presenting flagship news programmes to writing acclaimed columns, Christa Ackroyd has become synonymous with Yorkshire storytelling. Her journey reflects resilience, reinvention and an unwavering commitment to telling the stories of ordinary people with dignity and depth.

Table of Contents

Christa Ackroyd’s Early Life and Background

Born on 4 May 1957 in Eccleshill, Bradford, Christa Marion Ackroyd grew up in West Yorkshire – a region that would later become central to her identity and public presence. Her upbringing in Bradford shaped her perspective, nurturing her passion for people’s stories and community life. Although she later gained national recognition, Christa has always remained firmly rooted in her Yorkshire heritage.

She now lives in the Ilkley and Addingham area, where she continues to be an admired member of the local community.

Christa Ackroyd’s Path into Journalism

Christa Ackroyd’s Early Career in Print and Radio

Christa began her journalistic journey in newspapers, starting at the Halifax Courier. Her determination and natural storytelling ability quickly propelled her into broadcast journalism.

The First Female Radio News Editor in the UK

In the early 1980s, Christa made history. After joining Radio Aire in Leeds, she became the first female radio news editor in the UK, a milestone that marked her as a trailblazer for women in media. She also served as programme controller and presenter, earning respect for her professionalism and journalistic instinct.

Christa Ackroyd on Television

Christa Ackroyd at ITV Calendar

Christa rose to regional fame when she joined ITV Yorkshire’s Calendar, one of the region’s most-watched news programmes. Her calm presence, warmth and authoritative delivery made her a favourite with viewers. For many Yorkshire households, Christa became a familiar and trusted face, bringing the day’s news into their living rooms.

Christa Ackroyd at BBC Look North

In 2001, Christa moved to the BBC to co-present the Leeds edition of Look North alongside the late Harry Gration. Their partnership became iconic in Yorkshire broadcasting. Her role at the BBC further solidified her reputation as a leading regional journalist with a loyal audience.

What Has Happened to Christa Ackroyd?

The IR35 Case and Contract Ending

Many people who followed her broadcasting career have wondered what happened during her departure from the BBC. In 2013, her freelance contract came to an end after a highly publicised IR35 tax dispute involving her company, Christa Ackroyd Media. The issue centred on tax status rather than wrongdoing, and the case was treated as a civil matter, not a criminal one. Although the situation brought intense scrutiny, she dealt with it with composure and professionalism, and went on to rebuild her career on her own terms.

Reinvention After the BBC

Following this period, Christa reinvented herself with remarkable strength. Instead of stepping away from media, she carved out a new chapter as a freelance journalist, speaker and columnist. Her resilience has been widely admired across Yorkshire.

Christa Ackroyd Now: Life and Work Today

Current Roles and Activities

Today, Christa remains active, respected and fully engaged in media and community life. Her roles include:

Columnist at the Yorkshire Post
Contributor to Our Great Yorkshire Life
Supporter of Homeless Street Angels
Freelance journalist, writer and speaker

Her social media presence on Instagram, Facebook and X shows a woman who enjoys close family relationships, social events, charity work and the beauty of Yorkshire life.

Christa Ackroyd Age

As of 2025, Christa Ackroyd is 68 years old, though her energy, appearance and spirit are frequently praised by her followers and friends.

Family Life: Christa Ackroyd Husband and Children

Is Christa Ackroyd Married?

Christa was married to Chris Sutcliffe, whom she wed in 1982. Together they built a family, raising three children. However, her public social media profiles now list her relationship status as Single. Although she has never publicly discussed the details, it is clear that she no longer identifies as married.

Christa Ackroyd’s Daughter and Children

Christa Ackroyd has three children, one of whom is her daughter Briony (married name: Briony Dean). Briony often appears in her mother’s social media posts, showing their close bond. Christa also has several grandchildren, whom she frequently describes as sources of joy.

Her posts show strong family ties, regular outings, birthday celebrations and gatherings – reflecting a warm and loving family life.

Christa Ackroyd B&B and Life in Ilkley

Does Christa Ackroyd Run a B&B?

A question that sometimes arises is whether Christa runs a bed-and-breakfast. Christa does operate a small private B&B/guest accommodation as part of her independent work and lifestyle in the Ilkley/Addingham area. It is run quietly, without public commercial branding, which matches her preference for privacy in her personal life.

Christa Ackroyd’s Public Image and Personality

A Yorkshire Icon with a Loyal Following

Christa is admired not only for her journalism but also for her personable, warm and grounded personality. Her posts reflect humour, honesty and positivity, particularly on the subject of ageing and resilience. Many commenters describe her as inspirational, supportive and deeply rooted in community life.

A Career Built on People’s Stories

Throughout her career, Christa has emphasised gratitude to the people who trusted her to tell their stories. Her belief in the power of ordinary voices remains central to her identity.

Conclusion: The Continuing Influence of Christa Ackroyd

Christa Ackroyd’s career is a testament to dedication, courage and adaptability. From becoming the first female radio news editor in the UK to anchoring major regional news programmes and later reinventing her career as a writer and freelance broadcaster, she has left an indelible mark on Yorkshire journalism.

Today, at 68, she continues to enjoy an active professional and family life while inspiring thousands with her writing, public appearances and positive outlook. Whether through her widely read articles, her charity involvement or her vibrant presence in Yorkshire communities, Christa Ackroyd remains a respected and influential figure.

She may no longer be married, and her career has experienced challenges, but her story remains one of strength, reinvention and commitment to the region she loves. Christa Ackroyd stands as a powerful example of how to face life’s chapters with grace, determination and a sense of purpose.

FAQs

1. Who is Christa Ackroyd?

Christa Ackroyd is a British journalist, broadcaster and columnist with over forty years of experience in regional and national media. She is best known for presenting ITV’s Calendar and the BBC’s Look North, two of Yorkshire’s most-watched regional news programmes. Today, she continues to work as a freelance journalist, writer and speaker.

2. How old is Christa Ackroyd?

She was born on 4 May 1957, making her 68 years old. Despite her age, she maintains an active lifestyle and is regularly praised for her youthful appearance and positive energy.

3. What happened to Christa Ackroyd at the BBC?

In 2013, Christa’s freelance contract with the BBC ended due to a widely publicised IR35 tax classification dispute involving her personal service company. It was a civil tax case, not a criminal matter. After the BBC, she successfully rebuilt her career, continuing to write, present and support community projects.

4. Is Christa Ackroyd married?

She was previously married to Chris Sutcliffe, whom she married in 1982. However, her current social media profiles show her relationship status as Single, indicating that she is no longer married.

5. Who is Christa Ackroyd’s husband?

Her former husband is Chris Sutcliffe. Although they were married for many years, Christa now identifies as single. She does not publicly discuss the details of their separation.

6. Does Christa Ackroyd have children?

Yes, Christa Ackroyd has three children. One of her daughters is Briony, also known as Briony Dean after marriage. Christa frequently spends time with her children and grandchildren, as seen in her social media posts.

7. Does Christa Ackroyd have grandchildren?

Yes, she has several grandchildren. She often shares moments with them on her social media accounts, including birthday celebrations, family meals and special occasions.

8. Where does Christa Ackroyd live now?

Christa currently lives in the Ilkley and Addingham area of West Yorkshire. She enjoys a quiet, community-centred lifestyle while remaining active in journalism and charity work.

9. Does Christa Ackroyd run a B&B?

Yes, Christa runs a small, private bed-and-breakfast/guest accommodation as part of her independent work. It is based in the Ilkley area and operates discreetly, without heavy public promotion.

10. What is Christa Ackroyd doing now?

Christa continues to work as a freelance journalist, broadcaster and writer. She writes for the Yorkshire Post, contributes to Our Great Yorkshire Life, supports Homeless Street Angels, and remains involved in various community and charity projects in Yorkshire.

11. Why is Christa Ackroyd well-known in Yorkshire?

Christa is a regional broadcasting icon due to her decades-long work on Calendar and Look North. Her approachable style, compassion in storytelling and strong Yorkshire identity made her one of the most recognisable media figures in the region.

12. Is Christa Ackroyd still on television?

While she no longer anchors daily news programmes, Christa still appears on television occasionally through lifestyle and Yorkshire-related programming, as well as interviews, features and local media events.

13. What is Christa Ackroyd Media?

Christa Media is her personal service company, established in the 1990s. She uses it for freelance journalism, consultancy, media training, speaking engagements and other professional services.

14. What is Christa Ackroyd’s writing style?

Her writing is reflective, warm and deeply connected to Yorkshire life. She often focuses on community stories, personal experiences, social issues and positive messages about ageing, resilience and gratitude.