Robert Peston is widely recognised for his sharp political reporting and distinctive broadcasting style. As ITV’s Political Editor and a long-time voice in British journalism, his career has been defined by exclusives and complex economic analyses.
But in 2013, a sudden and painful illness struck him down, forcing him to step back from the very public, high-pressure world he thrived in.
What followed was a personal journey marked by resilience, mental health challenges, and a new understanding of how to balance an ambitious career with personal wellbeing.
This article explores the lesser-known side of Robert Peston, not just the award-winning journalist, but the man who has faced serious illness, mental health challenges, and grief with openness and strength.
Who Is Robert Peston?
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Robert James Kenneth Peston was born on 25 April 1960, making him 65 years old as of 2025. Born into a Jewish family in London, he is the son of economist and Labour life peer Maurice Peston, Baron Peston, and Helen Conroy. Despite being entitled to the courtesy title “The Honourable”, Robert Peston chooses not to use it.
Early Life
He attended Highgate Wood Secondary School, a state comprehensive in north London, before progressing to Balliol College, Oxford, where he studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). He later pursued postgraduate education at the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium.
Career
Peston’s journalism career began in 1983 at Investors Chronicle and then at The Independent at its inception. His professional rise continued through positions at The Sunday Correspondent, The Independent on Sunday, and The Financial Times, where he served in roles such as Political Editor, Banking Editor, and Head of Investigations.
Known for his scoops, he was often at the heart of major economic stories, including the 2008 financial crisis.
From 2006 to 2014, he served as the BBC’s Business Editor, later becoming its Economics Editor. In 2015, he made the move to ITV News, where he continues to serve as Political Editor and hosts his political show Peston.
Beyond television, he’s an accomplished author with multiple nonfiction works and fiction novels. He also founded the education charity Speakers for Schools, committed to giving young people in state schools access to inspiring career role models.
What Happened To Robert Peston Illness?
In early 2013, Robert Peston was struck by a sudden and intensely painful illness that brought his typically energetic routine to a halt. He was diagnosed with reactive arthritis, a condition that causes painful inflammation in the joints following an infection in another part of the body.
Peston recalled waking up in the middle of the night completely immobilised. He described to The Times how his back and neck locked up, and his knees and ankles swelled painfully. “I crawled out of bed in agony,” he admitted, highlighting just how dramatically the condition impacted him.
Though he has since made a full recovery, the episode served as a wake-up call. Peston, whose life had been centred on a high-stress job in political journalism, was suddenly forced to confront his physical limitations.
The illness compelled him to re-evaluate his priorities and take a rare pause in a career otherwise defined by constant motion.
What Is Reactive Arthritis and How Did It Affect Robert Peston?
Reactive arthritis is an autoimmune condition that typically occurs after an infection, most commonly in the bowels or urinary tract. In Peston’s case, the illness came on swiftly and severely. His joints were inflamed to the point where basic movement became excruciating.
Common Symptoms of Reactive Arthritis
- Swollen and stiff joints
- Pain in the lower back and limbs
- Inflammation of tendons and ligaments
The NHS notes that men between the ages of 20 and 40 are most commonly affected. Though it usually resolves within months, the pain can be intense and, in some cases, long-lasting or recurrent.
Peston’s story is a powerful reminder that even short-lived illnesses can leave a deep impact. For someone who was constantly working, travelling, and broadcasting live on TV, the sudden need to slow down was both jarring and transformative.
How Did Robert Peston Cope With His Reactive Arthritis Diagnosis?
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Coping with reactive arthritis wasn’t simply a matter of physical recovery for Peston. He had to reassess his demanding lifestyle. Known for his around-the-clock political coverage and signature urgency on air, he found himself faced with the unfamiliar, stillness, and vulnerability.
He stepped back from certain duties to allow his body time to heal. His recovery, though successful, was marked by physical discomfort and mental strain.
It also came shortly after the devastating loss of his wife, novelist Siân Busby, who died in 2012 after battling lung cancer. This compounded his emotional load during an already difficult period.
Peston didn’t shy away from speaking publicly about the illness. By sharing his experience, he added an important voice to conversations around invisible illnesses and the toll they can take on both personal and professional lives.
Has Robert Peston Made A Full Recovery From His Illness?
Yes, Robert Peston has confirmed that he made a full physical recovery from reactive arthritis. His ability to return to full-time work at ITV and continue producing high-level journalism is a testament to that.
However, like many who go through serious health scares, he carries the memory of the condition with him. It acted as a pivotal moment that reshaped how he approached both his health and his work.
Although reactive arthritis is generally a one-time occurrence, it can flare up again or cause complications in some individuals. Peston has not reported further episodes, but his journey stands as a reminder of how sudden health issues can disrupt even the most structured lives.
Does Robert Peston Have Any Other Health Conditions?
In addition to his experience with reactive arthritis, Robert Peston has spoken openly about two other health-related challenges: ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).
These conditions have been with him for much of his life, but it’s only in recent years that he’s opened up about their impact.
Despite the challenges, Peston credits ADHD with giving him the ability to “hyperfocus”, which has helped him stay immersed in complex work and produce multiple books alongside his broadcasting duties.
OCD, on the other hand, affected him most severely during his teenage years. He has described engaging in compulsive behaviours such as repeatedly checking if the gas was off or avoiding pavement cracks, rituals aimed at calming intense anxiety. Though less intrusive now, he acknowledges it still surfaces during high-stress periods.
How Has ADHD Helped Robert Peston In His Career?
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Far from being a hindrance, Robert Peston describes his ADHD as an unusual strength. The condition, which often causes restlessness and difficulty concentrating, also comes with a lesser-discussed benefit, the capacity to hyperfocus on tasks of deep interest.
This hyperfocus has allowed Peston to immerse himself completely in his journalism, research, and writing. In his own words, ADHD helped him write five non-fiction books and two fiction novels while maintaining his demanding role in political broadcasting.
He also acknowledges the downside. The same intensity that fuels his productivity can make him seem distant or preoccupied in personal interactions. Still, Peston is clear: without ADHD, he doubts he would have achieved the same output or creative stamina.
What Has Robert Peston Said About His OCD?
Peston has candidly spoken about his struggles with OCD, particularly during his youth. The rituals, like constantly checking locked doors or walking in particular patterns, were driven by a deep need to alleviate anxiety. It interfered with sleep and everyday routines, becoming a hidden source of distress.
He never received help at the time and didn’t share his difficulties with his parents. Over time, he learned coping techniques that allowed him to reduce the symptoms and continue with his life and career.
Now in his mid-60s, Peston says the OCD has never gone away completely, but it no longer dominates his life. His openness has been praised for contributing to greater public awareness of mental health, especially in high-pressure professions like journalism.
How Did Robert Peston Deal With Grief After Losing His Wife?
The death of Peston’s wife, Siân Busby, in 2012 was a turning point in his personal life. Her passing after a five-year illness left a deep emotional void. The couple had one son together, and Peston also helped raise her son from a previous marriage.
Grieving while maintaining a public role as a political journalist was incredibly difficult. He admitted to immersing himself in work to distract from the pain. Eventually, he sought therapy and counselling, which he credits with helping him move forward.
He also admitted to feeling guilt when he later fell in love again, but has since found happiness with writer Charlotte Edwardes. His reflections on grief are heartfelt, revealing a man who has had to process immense personal loss while remaining in the public eye.
What Role Does Mental Health Play In Robert Peston’s Life?
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Mental health is something Robert Peston actively addresses in his personal and professional life. He continues to speak with a therapist and has become a vocal advocate for counselling and emotional self-awareness.
He openly shares that he still experiences periods of anxiety, especially when navigating difficult news cycles or political tensions. Yet he remains committed to honesty and believes transparency is essential in coping with life’s emotional complexities.
His current outlook is one of realism and hope. He maintains that challenges must be faced head-on, with honesty and problem-solving, rather than pessimism. It’s an approach that underpins his journalism as much as his private life.
What Is Robert Peston’s Net Worth And Financial Success?
While Robert Peston does not publicly discuss his net worth, various estimates in 2025 suggest his wealth could be in the range of £2 million to £5 million. His income stems from several successful ventures:
Professional Earnings
- Long-standing career in top-tier journalism roles at the BBC and ITV
- Presenter and creator of the ITV political show Peston
Publications and Books
- Multiple bestselling non-fiction books including How Do We Fix This Mess? and Who Runs Britain?
- Fiction works such as Whistleblower and The Crash
Other Revenue Streams
- Podcast co-hosting with Steph McGovern on The Rest Is Money
- Paid speaking engagements and charity work through Speakers for Schools
While his primary focus has always been journalism, Peston’s diverse activities have helped him build both financial security and a respected public profile.
Conclusion
Robert Peston’s journey from a renowned political journalist to a figure openly navigating illness, mental health challenges, and personal loss is deeply human.
His reactive arthritis diagnosis in 2013 forced him to confront his own vulnerability, while his experiences with ADHD and OCD gave him the insight to discuss mental health publicly and compassionately.
Through grief, recovery, and success, Peston has remained grounded in his commitment to journalism and truth-telling. His story is not just one of survival but of adaptation and resilience, proving that even the busiest minds can find clarity when life forces them to pause.
FAQs
What illness did Robert Peston suffer from?
Robert Peston was diagnosed with reactive arthritis in 2013, a condition that causes joint inflammation following an infection.
Has Robert Peston recovered from reactive arthritis?
Yes, he has made a full recovery and continues his work as a political journalist without limitations from the illness.
What other health issues does Robert Peston have?
In addition to reactive arthritis, Peston has ADHD and OCD, both of which he has openly discussed.
How did Robert Peston deal with his wife’s death?
He initially buried himself in work but later sought therapy to process his grief and emotional recovery.
What has Robert Peston said about mental health?
Peston advocates for transparency and therapy, sharing his experiences to reduce stigma around mental health.
Is Robert Peston still with ITV?
Yes, as of 2025, he remains ITV’s Political Editor and host of the political discussion show Peston.
What is Robert Peston’s net worth?
His estimated net worth ranges between £2 million and £5 million, earned through journalism, books, and media appearances.
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