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Anne Robinson says TV is 'sexist and ageist'

Anne Robinson
  • Posted at 2:11pm
  • 01 September 2009
  • by PaulJones-RT
  • 9 comments

Anne Robinson returns as the "ringmaster" of Watchdog (Thursday 10 September) after eight years away from the consumer series. The revamped show promises "a big Top Gear-type set" and a chance for audience members to address their grievances directly to representatives of the companies responsible.

But Robinson, now 64, has some grievances of her own. In 2004 the Weakest Link presenter admitted to having had a face lift and botox injections in an attempt to tackle the ageing process, and while she believes her CV has kept her competitive, she claims it is an increasing struggle for women of her age to get work on TV.

"I think all television is sexist and ageist," she told Roger Cook in Radio Times magazine. "If there was a lovely blonde with huge breasts and long legs who had my experience and wit, I'd be out of a job."

But if younger women today have it easy, what about their male counterparts? "I do think these days women get a better chance early on. You know, there are a lot of pretty young things with not much talent appearing on television here, and I don't think that young guys who are not as attractive would get those gigs. There are now many more young women presenting TV than young guys."

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Is Anne Robinson right, is TV sexist and ageist? Post a comment below and let us know. Meanwhile, read the full interview with Anne in the latest issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale now.

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Comments

  • Posted on 22 October 2009
  • at 6:46pm
  • by the-old-dog

No doubt there is much truth in what Annes says. But as for the comment "If there was a lovely blonde with huge breasts and long legs who had my experience and wit, I'd be out of a job." Keep at it Anne - just two more ops to go!

  • Posted on 17 September 2009
  • at 6:49pm
  • by Michael

I totally agree. Unfortunately all walks of life in any industry appears be the same, experience seem's to take a backward step

  • Posted on 12 September 2009
  • at 2:05pm
  • by Jyccyj

Anne Robinson is herself extremely ageist when talking to older people on The Weakest Link; many are younger than she is. It would be far better if she championed her contemporaries and let nature take its course.

  • Posted on 04 September 2009
  • at 10:41am
  • by Esther

I would agree that most TV is ageist with honourable exceptions to the rule being such ageless TV stars such as Joanna Lumley and Amanda Redman. Sadly, the overbearing Anne Robinson does not qualify for the age with grace category!

  • Posted on 02 September 2009
  • at 1:25pm
  • by David

Bad news! I hate Anne Robinson... she is bossy, rude and arrogant. What a load of rubbish about ageist while she can't even accept her ageing process.

  • Posted on 02 September 2009
  • at 12:22pm
  • by Barbara

I am glad that Anne Robinson is coming back to Watchdog. I love her acerbic wit which is fast, funny and extremely clever. The programme needed a facelift...never mind Anne's...Yes TV is ageist in many ways especialy for women. Time to put some of the males out to graze....Rob McElwee garbles rubbish on the weather report, that I wonder if it is something in his Sanatogen. Nick Owen could do with pensioning off also.

  • Posted on 02 September 2009
  • at 10:32am
  • by davidfrtimes

I think that it will, be a breath of fresh air to the long running program, nice to have ann back.

  • Posted on 01 September 2009
  • at 5:03pm
  • by Pavlov

Shockingly true. Must be the reason that Alice Beer's not getting another shot at the Watchdog gig...

  • Posted on 01 September 2009
  • at 4:05pm
  • by margaret mcdonagh

all the good presenters are got rid of, why? as they are the ones we can understand and here what they are saying, the young ones gabble and we cannot even lip read as they talk to one another

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