Anita Rani makes a rare appearance with boyfriend Alex Lavery as they hold hands while leaving the Sky Arts Awards

Anita Rani made a rare appearance with her boyfriend Alex Lavery as they left the Sky Arts Awards on Tuesday night. 

The TV presenter, 48, had attended the ceremony at The Roundhouse to present The Times Breakthrough award to Nancy Farino, the writer of dark comedy play Fatherland. 

Anita put on a dazzling display in a shimmering purple minidress as she left the venue hand-in-hand with Alex. 

It was a rare public appearance for the couple who made their debut in September last year during London Fashion Week.

Anita ended her 14-year marriage to technology executive Bhupinder Rehal in September 2023. 

 Alex is at the helm of immersive sonic experience company Frqncy Ldn which 'explores the effects of sound and mind on the body', and he performed sound meditations as part of Glastonbury Festival's wellness programme.

Anita joined a number of television stars at the annual ceremony which was co-hosted by artist Sir Grayson Perry and musician Rebecca Lucy Taylor (Self Esteem). 

The night celebrated outstanding achievements across 11 competitive categories of British and Irish arts, alongside three special recognition honours. 

Gemma Collins, who recently left the Big Brother house after her celebrity guest appearance, was seen leaving the venue with her boyfriend Rami Hawash. 

Myleene Klass and Caprice, who were dressed in glamorous dresses for the evening, also departed the ceremony.

Anita spoke about her relationship with Alex last year. 

She said: 'He’s not just good-looking, he’s a beautiful soul. He’s free-spirited and has really great energy.'

Anita has a huge passion for music and shared the most romantic thing that Alex, 45, had done for her. 

She explained that he bought her a range of vinyls and played them for her. Anita loved them all but was confused at how he knew she would love them so much. 

When Anita asked, he told her that he'd paid close attention to her music taste and whenever she spoke about music he really listened. She said: 'When you meet someone who has a similar passion, there is nothing more satisfying than listening to music with him.'

Anita's boyfriend Alex is at the helm of immersive sonic experience company Frqncy Ldn which 'explores the effects of sound and mind on the body', and he performed sound meditations as part of Glastonbury Festival's wellness programme.

The pair made their public debut in September last year during London Fashion Week, where they were spotted beaming at each other.

Anita ended her 14-year marriage to technology executive Bhupinder Rehal in September 2023.