You are still the Weakest Link, but it’s hello again!

DUBBED the ‘queen of mean’, her withering put- downs and acerbic tongue left TV quiz contestants quaking in their boots.

Now, six years after it was last broadcast, Anne Robinson and The Weakest Link are returning.

The hit BBC 1 show is coming back in November for a one-off celebrity special for Children In Need, while its 72-year-old host, pictured, is in final stages of talks with the corporation to bring the programme back for good next year.

One of the BBC’s most successful shows ever – it was licensed to more than 70 countries, and moved from BBC 2 to BBC 1after pulling in 5million viewers a day – the revamped format will feature only well-known faces.

Last night a studio source said: ‘ The Weakest Link was one of the most exciting and original quizzes in television history, and left a huge void when it came off air. Nothing has really replaced it so the prospect of its return is really exciting.

‘But instead of being a teatime format, the 2018 version will be a primetime Saturday night series. This time around, it will be celebrities at the helm, which will really give it a fresh and fun new feel. Terms have been agreed in principle, and the BBC are hopeful of attracting some great – albeit brave – celeb names.’

It is understood that Miss Robinson is keen to see how the Children In Need show goes before putting pen to paper, but her production company, Goodbye Television, is already lined up to co-produce it with the BBC.

The show ran for 11 years from 2000, and made Miss Robinson a household name in both the UK and US, where she also fronted it for three years. Her rudeness to contestants is legendary, and the inaugural show attracted more than 80 complaints from shocked viewers.

In one celebrity special, she made the late John Noakes weep when she asked him about his dead dog, Shep.

It also made the former journalist one of the wealthiest broadcasters on television, with a reported £1million salary.

Last night Miss Robinson confirmed the plans, adding: ‘I’ve been chatting to the BBC controller of entertainment who has had the idea of reviving the show. Who knows? I’m a bit on the old side for television and I can’t bake cakes.

‘But I’m quite good at marinating my tongue in acid.’