Anne Robinson has spoken out on speculation that she was involved in a feud with Rachel Riley and Susie Dent while she fronted Countdown for a year back in 2021
Anne Robinson has opened up about her brief stint as the host of Countdown, after leaving the show just a year into her tenure in 2022. Despite rumours of a feud with fellow presenters Rachel Riley and Susie Dent, the 80 year old TV veteran dismissed such claims, although she did confess to telling Rachel to ‘shut up’.
However, Rachel isn’t the only celebrity that Anne has taken aim at. The broadcaster who has never been one to mince her words also took a pop at former X Factor star, Stacey Solomon who landed her own shows on the BBC.
In a candid chat with the Telegraph, Anne refuted any suggestion of a rift, stating: “It’s just a story. Rachel was a bit talkative when I was interviewing the contestants but once we shut her up it was fine.”
The former Weakest Link host also didn’t hold back on her views on woke culture, expressing: “I loathe the woke terrorists who are sucking the life blood out of the country.”
Asserting that she would navigate around ‘woke restrictions’ if she were still in comedy, she added: “Because if you’re funny – properly funny – you can get away with a great deal, although there’s not a lot of funny sharp women on TV anymore.”
Taking a swipe at Stacey Solomon, Anne also shared her thoughts on the current state of television programming.
She lamented: “I’m disappointed that by 9 O’Clock, someone called Stacey is usually telling me how to tidy my wardrobe, I don’t want to watch some semi famous person take me round the Scottish isles, there is a lot of TV that is c**p.”
Anne previously disclosed that she left Countdown due to a pay dispute and admitted she insisted on ‘noisy’ Susie Dent and Rachel Riley’s mics being switched off.
She revealed that despite being offered a pay rise, she chose not to join Channel 4’s payroll and consequently decided to step down from her hosting role. Regarding the alleged rift with her co-stars Rachel and Susie, she confessed that their time-keeping and noise levels had irked her.
However, she later clarified: “They’re both brilliant at what they do. I mean they really, really are. Channel 4 are incredibly lucky to have them. And there isn’t a rift. It was me wanting everyone to be quiet in the studio. I like everyone turning up on time and quiet, quiet, quiet. So we did have to iron that out. But that’s it.”
Meanwhile, Rachel seemed to confirm the tension between herself and Anne when she said the presenter ‘might make you cry’.
Previously, the maths expert had described Anne as ‘not the cuddliest,’ and after her departure, she admitted the atmosphere became more enjoyable once Colin Murray replaced her.
Rachel stated: “It’s very different. Each presenter has their own style, and you don’t always gel with everybody that you work with. Well, you’re not going to get a sympathetic shoulder to cry on from Anne, but she might make you cry.”
The feud rumours were further stoked when Rachel posted a selfie on Instagram, smiling at the camera and holding a glass of wine after Anne’s departure was announced.
“Drinking a toast to the next chapter in Countdown history. I think you’re going to like it,” she captioned the image.
Later while appearing on Piers Morgan’s Uncensored, Anne expressed: “Susie Dent is great, Rachel Riley is completely brilliant at the maths.”
Piers then interjected: “You just didn’t get on with her,” to which she retorted: “No, I didn’t not get on with her.”
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .
