Anne Robinson says she would ‘never get away with’ Weakest Link insults today
Presenter faced controversy this year after clips from BBC gameshow resurfaced online
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Anne Robinson has admitted that her scathing insults on The Weakest Link would be unlikely to air today.
In February, a series of old clips of Robinson presenting the BBC gameshow went viral after it was announced that she was the new host of Countdown.
In one video, the presenter is seen questioning a contestant who is a full-time single mother, asking her: “So how many Asbos [anti-social behaviour orders]?” before adding: “How many of your three boys have got tags on their ankles?”
In another clip, she told a different woman that she looked “a bit lumpy and ugly”.
Speaking to The Daily Mail, Robinson said that she would “never get away with all that now”.
“I don’t think half the things I said then I could say now,” she theorised. “Like, ‘Are you really that stupid?’ Or ‘Why are you so fat?’ That would be off limits.
“Everyone would be too worried about the poor contestants’ mental health. Everyone would be too worried about sending them home with issues.”
Robinson presented The Weakest Link from 2000 to 2012. She replaces Nick Hewer as the new host of Countdown, which begins later this month.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments