Anne Robinson says older female TV presenters are always at risk of being replaced with someone younger and prettier.

Anne Robinson

Anne Robinson

The 70-year-old 'Watchdog' presenter has hit out at the difference between men and women on TV saying that female hosts are the victims of ageism.

She told Radio Times: "If Huw Edwards or Evan Davis had twin sisters they wouldn't be reading the news or hosting 'Newsnight'.

"I'm not saying they're ugly. It's just a fact, particularly in light entertainment, that it's about pretty girls in the front row."

However, Anne - who has been open about having a facelift and regular Botox treatments - insisted her looks never factored into getting hired and said she has remained on TV because she is clever and funny.

But the former 'Weakest Link' presenter did admit there is a pressure to be thin.

She said: "I never got hired because I had beautiful breasts. I got hired because I could write and be funny.

"The trick for women's longevity on television is that you've got to be clever, versatile, funny and thin. I'm working at it!

"I've always been clever at moving on. I've never been dragged out kicking and screaming."


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