Squeakest link: Anne has mouse exterminators on call permanently
SHE is a pretty frightening prospect with her acid tongue and withering glare. But Anne Robinson’s terrifying persona masks a deep fear of her own – of small furry creatures.
So scared is the 72-year- old TV presenter of mice that she has taken on permanent pest controllers.
The former host of The Weakest Link receives monthly visits from a rodent team which checks her £6million detached home from top to bottom.
If a dropping is found, the workers from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea take any necessary action. ‘Anne is petrified of mice and
‘Rat sunning itself on her patio’
rats; it’s almost a phobia,’ according to a source. ‘ Her next-door neighbour’s building works caused an influx of rats.
‘ Understandably, she was fairly livid especially when she stumbled upon a rat sunning itself on her back patio. Pest control were immediately called out and poison was put down.
‘She was also advised to block up any cupboard gaps or holes in the wall with iron wool to stop them being able to get in.
‘Clearly Anne never wishes to come nose- to- nose with a rodent again or hear the pitter- patter of tiny paws so she has the council on a retainer, meaning they come out once a month. For peace of mind, it is worth every penny.’
A one-off visit with two follow-up calls costs £120. The council’s website says a small house or flat with a mouse problem will be charged at least £500 a year for a retainer.
As Miss Robinson lives on one of London’s finest streets, she is likely to be paying much more.
Her attitude to rodents may surprise the BBC viewers who saw her on-screen demeanour during 12 years fronting the quiz.
Contestants faced scathing putdowns and a dismissive raise of the eyebrow as she unceremoniously dismissed them with: ‘You are the weakest link; goodbye!’