Rob Rinder From Barrister to Broadcasting Icon
Who Is Rob Rinder?
Rob Rinder has become one of Britain’s most recognizable television personalities, seamlessly blending his legal expertise with natural charisma to captivate audiences across multiple platforms. Born on May 31, 1978, in London into a Jewish family, he has built an impressive career that spans law, television, and literature. For those wondering how old is Rob Rinder, he is currently 47 years old and shows no signs of slowing down in his diverse professional pursuits.
His mother, Angela Cohen, serves as chair of the 45 Aid Society, while his maternal grandfather Morris Malenicky was a Holocaust survivor and one of the famous “Windermere children.” This profound family history has deeply influenced his work and advocacy throughout his career.
Rob Rinder Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Rinder |
| Known As | Rob Rinder |
| Date of Birth | May 31, 1978 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 47 years old |
| Place of Birth | London, England, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British |
| Religion / Ethnicity | Jewish |
| Occupation | Barrister, Television Presenter, Author, Broadcaster |
| Famous For | Hosting Judge Rinder, Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour, and writing the Adam Green legal thriller series |
| Education | – Osidge Primary School – Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet – University of Manchester (Double First in Politics and Modern History) |
| Early Career | Practiced as a criminal barrister before moving into television |
| Television Debut | Judge Rinder (ITV, 2014) |
| Notable TV Shows | – Judge Rinder (2014–2020) – Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour (2024) – Rob and Rylan’s Passage to India (2025) – Good Morning Britain (Host) – Britain Behind Bars (2024) – The Rob Rinder Verdict (2019) – Rob Rinder’s Interrogation Secrets (2022) – Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby (BBC Two) |
| Documentaries | My Family, the Holocaust and Me (BBC One, 2020); Britain Behind Bars (Channel 4, 2024) |
| Books (Adam Green Series) | – The Trial (2023) – The Suspect (2024) – The Protest (2025) |
| Literary Achievements | Sunday Times #1 Bestselling Author |
| Family Background | Mother: Angela Cohen (Chair of the 45 Aid Society) Grandfather: Morris Malenicky (Holocaust survivor, one of the “Windermere children”) |
| Close Friends | Benedict Cumberbatch (officiated his civil partnership) |
| Civil Partnership | Seth Cumming (2013–2018) |
| Marital Status | Divorced; currently single |
| Sexual Orientation | Openly gay |
| Advocacy & Causes | LGBTQ+ rights, Holocaust education, Jewish community safety |
| Charity Work | Patron of Buttle UK; fundraiser for Magen David Adom; ran 2016 London Marathon for charity |
| Awards & Honours | – MBE (2021 Birthday Honours) for services to Holocaust education – Honorary Doctor of Laws, Southampton Solent University (2022) – Honorary Doctor of Literature, University College London (2024) – Honorary Deputy Colonel Commandant, Royal Corps of Army Music (2024) – BAFTA TV Award for Best Factual Entertainment (Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour, 2025) |
| Notable Collaborations | Rylan Clark (Co-presenter and travel show partner) |
| Recent Projects | The Inheritance (2025, Channel 4) with Elizabeth Hurley |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Estimated between £3–5 million (approx.) |
| Active Years | 2001–present |
| Genres of Work | Legal Drama, Reality TV, Documentary, Travel Series, Crime Fiction |
| Social Impact | Known for bridging law, entertainment, and education—bringing legal and moral discussions to mainstream audiences |
Early Life and Education
Raised in Southgate, he attended Osidge Primary School and Queen Elizabeth’s School in Barnet before joining the National Youth Theatre. His early passion for performance was evident, but an interesting turn of events shaped his career path. He gave up acting because his peer and close friend Benedict Cumberbatch “was so good” that he decided to pursue a different direction.
He studied at the University of Manchester, graduating with a double first in Politics and Modern History. This academic excellence laid the foundation for his future legal career and demonstrated the intellectual rigor that would later make him such a compelling television presence.
Legal Career: The Foundation
Before becoming a household name on television, he practiced as a criminal barrister. This experience provided him with invaluable skills in argumentation, public speaking, and understanding human nature. His time in the courtroom wasn’t just a career—it was an education in the complexities of justice and society.
However, the demanding nature of criminal law eventually led to burnout, prompting him to explore opportunities in television while maintaining his legal credentials. This transition would prove to be the beginning of an extraordinary broadcasting career.
Breaking Into Television
Judge Rinder: The Game-Changer
His breakthrough came in 2014 when he began hosting the reality courtroom series Judge Rinder while still practicing as a barrister. The show quickly became a phenomenon, positioning him as the UK’s answer to Judge Judy. His combination of legal knowledge, wit, and genuine empathy for the people appearing before him made the show compulsively watchable.
Judge Rinder ran successfully until 2020, establishing him as a trusted voice on legal matters and a beloved television personality. The show’s format allowed him to showcase both his expertise and his ability to connect with ordinary people facing everyday disputes.
The Dynamic Duo: Rob Rinder and Rylan
One of the most talked-about partnerships in British television has been the collaboration between Rob Rinder and Rylan Clark. Many viewers have wondered, “are Rylan and Rob rinder a couple?” The answer is no—they are close friends whose chemistry has made for exceptional television viewing.
Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour
In May 2024, Rylan and Rob Rinder embarked on a three-part BBC Two series visiting Venice, Florence, and Rome. The show, Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour, was an instant hit, showcasing their genuine friendship and shared sense of humor as they explored Italian culture and history. The natural rapport between Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder translated beautifully on screen, with viewers delighting in their banter and adventures.
The success of this series was recognized when it won the 2025 BAFTA Television Award for Best Factual Entertainment, a testament to the engaging dynamic between Rob Rinder and Rylan Clark.
Rob and Rylan’s Passage to India
Following their Italian adventure, the duo returned in September 2025 with Rob and Rylan’s Passage to India. This second season saw Rylan Clark Rob Rinder exploring Indian culture in homage to E.M. Forster. The show continued to demonstrate why the pairing of Rob Rinder Rylan Clark works so well—their contrasting personalities complement each other perfectly, creating entertainment that’s both informative and genuinely funny.
The partnership between Rob Rinder and Rylan has become one of the most successful in British travel programming, with audiences eagerly anticipating future collaborations.
Rob Rinder Books: A Literary Success
Beyond television, he has established himself as a successful author. Rob Rinder books have consistently performed well, with his debut novel marking a significant achievement in his already impressive career.
The Adam Green Series
In 2023, he became a number one Sunday Times bestselling author with his debut novel “The Trial,” introducing readers to Adam Green, a barrister protagonist. This achievement demonstrated that his talents extended far beyond the courtroom and television studio.
The following year, Rob Rinder The Suspect was published, continuing the Adam Green series. This second installment in the Rob Rinder book collection further cemented his reputation as a skilled storyteller capable of crafting compelling legal thrillers.
For those interested in Rob Rinder books in order, the sequence is:
- “The Trial” (2023)
- “The Suspect” (2024)
- “The Protest” (June 2025)
“The Protest,” published in June 2025, also made the Sunday Times bestseller list, proving that his literary success was no fluke. The Rob Rinder books in order showcase an evolving mastery of the legal thriller genre, drawing on his real-world experience to create authentic and gripping narratives.
Documentary and Serious Programming
While much of his recent fame comes from entertainment programming, he has also produced powerful documentary work that highlights his commitment to important social issues.
Holocaust Education
In November 2020, he released “My Family, the Holocaust and Me” for BBC One, helping Jewish families discover the truth about relatives during the Holocaust. This deeply personal project was informed by his own family history and demonstrated his commitment to Holocaust education.
His appearance on “Who Do You Think You Are?” retraced his Holocaust survivor grandfather’s story and received a BAFTA, further establishing his credentials as a serious documentary maker capable of handling sensitive historical material with care and respect.
Britain Behind Bars
In July 2024, he presented “Britain Behind Bars,” a three-part Channel 4 documentary about Britain’s prison system. This hard-hitting series showcased his ability to tackle complex social issues with the analytical skills honed during his legal career.
Other Television Projects
His television career extends well beyond his most famous shows. He became a regular host on ITV’s Good Morning Britain in 2022, bringing his legal expertise and personable demeanor to morning television.
He has also co-hosted Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond The Lobby on BBC Two, appeared regularly on Celebrity Gogglebox with Susanna Reid, and hosted various other programs including “The Rob Rinder Verdict” on Channel 4 in 2019 and “Rob Rinder’s Interrogation Secrets” on Crime & Investigation UK in 2022.
In July 2025, he presented “Rich Times, Poor Times,” a Channel 5 three-part series with Ruth Goodman exploring historical events through contrasting lives. Most recently, “The Inheritance” premiered in 2025 on Channel 4, a reality show where he plays the role of ‘The Executor’ alongside Elizabeth Hurley.
Personal Life and Relationships
Questions about Rob Rinder partner status frequently arise given his public profile. Is Rob Rinder married? He entered a civil partnership with barrister Seth Cumming in 2013 on Ibiza, with the ceremony notably conducted by his close friend Benedict Cumberbatch. However, the couple divorced between 2017 and 2018 after four years together.
Currently, he is believed to be single. As an openly gay man, he has been a visible advocate for LGBTQ+ rights throughout his career, using his platform to promote equality and acceptance.
Awards and Recognition
His contributions to broadcasting and society have been widely recognized. He was appointed MBE in the 2021 Birthday Honours, along with his mother, for services to Holocaust education and awareness.
Academic institutions have also honored him with an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Southampton Solent University in February 2022 and an Honorary Doctor of Literature from University College London in May 2024. In January 2024, he became an Honorary Deputy Colonel Commandant of the Royal Corps of Army Music.
The 2025 BAFTA Television Award for Best Factual Entertainment for the show with Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder represented a pinnacle in his broadcasting career, validating the unique appeal of their partnership.
Charitable Work and Advocacy
Beyond entertainment, he serves as patron of Buttle UK, a charity for children from impoverished backgrounds. He ran the 2016 London Marathon raising money for the organization, finishing in an impressive time of 03:16:00.
He is also a supporter and fundraiser for Magen David Adom, an Israeli medical charity, and remains a strong advocate for Jewish community safety and Holocaust education. He has been vocal about antisemitism and recent attacks on Jewish communities, using his platform to speak out against injustice.
Recent Public Commentary
In 2025, he has continued to provide thoughtful commentary on social and political issues, particularly those affecting Jewish communities. He responded to the Manchester synagogue terror attack in October 2025 and spoke out against the banning of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from an Aston Villa match, demonstrating his willingness to address controversial topics with nuance and conviction.
The Multifaceted Success
What makes his career remarkable is not just success in one field, but excellence across multiple disciplines. From criminal barrister to television icon, from documentary filmmaker to bestselling author, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility and an ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels.
His work with Rylan Clark Rob Rinder has introduced him to new audiences, while his books have allowed him to explore creative storytelling. His documentary work keeps him grounded in serious issues, while his entertainment shows reveal his natural wit and charm.
Conclusion
Rob Rinder represents a new breed of British broadcaster—intellectually rigorous yet accessible, serious about important issues yet capable of light entertainment, professionally accomplished yet personally relatable. Whether you’re discovering him through his partnership with Rylan and Rob Rinder, reading Rob Rinder books, or watching his documentary work, you’re encountering someone who has successfully leveraged his legal training into a remarkable media career.
At 47 years old, he continues to evolve, taking on new challenges and reaching new audiences. His journey from the courtroom to the television studio, from legal thrillers to travel programming, demonstrates that reinvention and growth are always possible with talent, hard work, and authenticity.
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