TV presenter Angela Rippon is set to pass the Rip Off Britain baton to former BBC Breakfast star Louise Minchin for the show's new series. The BBC has confirmed that from January, Minchin will join forces with Gloria Hunniford and Julia Somerville on the popular consumer rights programme, which kicked off in 2009 with Rippon at the helm.
According to PA news agency sources, Rippon is stepping aside to concentrate on other ventures, but the broadcaster eagerly anticipates her return in a future season. Minchin, aged 56, expressed her excitement, saying: "I'm delighted to be joining the incredible team at Rip Off Britain."
She praised the show's impactful legacy, stating: "I've always admired the show for really making a difference, for shining a spotlight on the issues that matter most to people and empowering viewers with the knowledge to tackle everyday challenges and stand up for their rights."
She promised to continue the mission of uncovering scams and providing vital advice to protect consumers' finances, adding: "From uncovering scams to giving audiences the advice they need to safeguard their money, we'll do our best to promote the stories that expose the latest consumer issues and help to make a real difference. It's going to be an exciting series."
Last year saw Rippon dazzle on Strictly Come Dancing alongside Kai Widdrington, having previously hosted its precursor Come Dancing from 1988 to 1999, reports Liverpool Echo.
The esteemed 80 year old journalist, renowned for being the BBC's first regular female news anchor, also graced the 2024 Strictly tour and featured in some episodes of the latest Rip Off Britain series.
The upcoming series of Rip Off Britain is set to delve into a variety of consumer issues, including the aftermath of the 2024 Dubai floods and compensation matters, the destruction of parcels, as well as exposing "high-pressure sales tactics by a domestic heating company and hear from customers who ended up with rocketing energy bills".
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Daytime commissioning editor Rachel Platt commented: "Louise is a great addition to the Rip Off Britain team."
She further praised the new host, saying, "She brings both the journalistic rigour needed to hold organisations to account and the warmth and empathy to get to the heart of real stories."
The much-anticipated return of Rip Off Britain to BBC One and BBC iPlayer is scheduled for January 6.
