Anne Robinson has opened up about the poignant reasons behind her recent move from the tranquil Cotswolds to London. In July, the former “Weakest Link” presenter announced her “heartbreaking decision” to leave her historic Grade-II listed barn near Hatherop. The move brings her closer to her daughter, Emma, and her family in London.
At 81, Anne acknowledged the challenges of aging, noting she remains fit but is conscious of the difficulty her family faces in managing an elderly mother living far away. She also admitted she “wouldn’t pass a driving test” now, which has influenced her decision.
In a candid conversation with Lorraine Kelly on the YouTube series “Experience Is Everything with Saga,” Anne detailed how she maintains her health. She revealed, “I do Pilates twice a week, and I run. I do exercises, and I don’t mind Pilates. The keep-fit trainer is very nice, but that’s quite boring. I just try not to be ill.”
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Discussing the reasons for selling her country home, Anne said, “My eyes aren’t good, I can’t drive, and I can’t be really isolated anymore. Also, I don’t hear that well.”
Elaborating further on her eyesight, she explained, “They’re not great, to the point where I can’t safely drive anymore, which makes me rather isolated. So, it’s a sensible decision.”
Reflecting on her time in the Cotswolds, Anne shared, “It’s not the greatest decision because my family and I have had a wonderful time. I’ve been there for 40 years. But that’s how it is. So, that’s what I’ve got to do.”
Lorraine agreed that the move made sense and highlighted how it would help Anne maintain her independence. Anne emphasised the importance of “hanging on to what we can” as we age and mentioned her new home: a fourth-floor terrace overlooking Hyde Park.
Previously, Anne told The Telegraph that her Cotswolds home, listed with estate agent Sam Butler for £4.25 million, was now on the market. She expressed her desire to avoid having anyone “dictate” her future. About her new London residence, she said, “I’ve bought a beautiful fourth-floor terrace filled with trees and plants overlooking Hyde Park. A small flat is attached. Importantly, it is only a few streets away from Emma.”
Anne is preparing for her new urban lifestyle with enthusiasm. “I will have to adapt to living – as Emma encouragingly puts it – ‘in one of the most vibrant capitals in the world’. We’ve booked visits to the Tate and lined up plays to see.”
She plans to bring along her pet Australian labradoodle, Martha, who will have to “learn to love parakeets and cockapoos.”