Christa Ackroyd, a former BBC presenter widely recognized for anchoring the flagship Look North program, has returned to television presenting in a new capacity, hosting property videos for a local estate agent in West Yorkshire. Her career was significantly impacted in 2013 when she was removed from air amid an investigation into her tax affairs, leading to a substantial financial settlement.
Ackroyd, 69, is now showcasing homes for Hunters estate agent in Otley, West Yorkshire, utilizing the same polished presentation style that once delivered regional news. In one video, she guides viewers through a £1.35 million detached home, describing it as "light, bright and it's built for socialising" and humorously noting, "Old habits die hard – I'm heading straight for the bar area."
The career shift has garnered attention on social media, with some users making light of her past tax issues, joking about PAYE payments and comparing her to the fictional Alan Partridge. However, others have commended her on-screen presence, calling her a "consummate professional" and "such a natural."
Ackroyd told the Daily Mail that she has undertaken two property videos on a freelance basis, expressing her passion for houses and renovations. "At 69 years old I am thrilled that people may still feel I have something to offer," she stated, expressing a desire to work with other agents in the future.
Her past dispute with the BBC is now considered "water under the bridge," Ackroyd said, adding, "I truly believe things happen for a reason." She also affirmed her continued support for public service broadcasting and the BBC.
Lester Hurst of Hunters Otley noted the significant positive response to the videos, stating, "We have all watched Christa on television for many years. When we discovered her love of houses, we thought it'd be a good idea to do some videos of our most prestigious properties. The response has been phenomenal."
The tax dispute stemmed from Ackroyd's use of her personal service company, Christa Ackroyd Media Ltd, between 2001 and 2013. Her tax arrangements were scrutinized by HMRC, which argued that working through her company allowed her to reduce her tax liability by operating as a self-employed contractor rather than a staff member. This led to a court ruling and an appeal loss, resulting in a bill of up to £420,000.
The court's judgment, however, clarified that HMRC did not accuse Ackroyd of dishonesty or of being a tax cheat. Ackroyd has previously stated that she felt the BBC contributed to her situation, claiming the corporation required her to use her own company for freelance work. She described the period as one of the worst of her life, leading to professional isolation, loss of work, and significant financial and legal expenses.
Despite the challenges, Ackroyd expressed a sense of vindication, as the judgment confirmed her honesty. She noted that her mother passed away without knowing a judge had found her to be "honest" and "not a tax cheat."
Since leaving the BBC, Ackroyd has engaged in other media work, including writing for The Yorkshire Post, appearing in the Netflix documentary "The Ripper," and featuring in Yorkshire-themed television programs. Last year, it was reported that she received a £20,000 inheritance from the will of actress Kathryn Apanowicz.