BBC legend, 56, reveals shock TV return ‘much to my surprise’ for iconic show-Lillie Rohan-Entertainment – Metro

Rip Off Britain has a new face on its panel (Picture: BBC)

Louise Minchin is a former BBC star no longer after announcing her ‘surprise’ return to the broadcaster.

The newsreader, 56, who co-hosted BBC Breakfast until 2021, has appeared on the likes of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Celebrity MasterChef.

But there’s one show – or rather show’s presenters – that have taken her fancy so much it’s resulted in a return to television.

Taking to Instagram this morning, the star revealed to her 142,000 followers that she is joining her long-time pals Gloria Hunniford and Julia Somerville on the iconic show Rip Off Britain.

‘I have some fun news, much to my surprise,’ she wrote in the caption. ‘I am going to be back on the telly in the New Year. I am very excited to be joining the team at Rip Off Britain.

‘I have always loved the show and looked up to the legends that present it, and have had an absolute blast working alongside Gloria and Julia, who are not only brilliant at their jobs but also very funny.’

Louise said her new hosting gig was a surprise to her (Picture: BBC)

The star was all smiles as she made the announcement (Picture: BBC)

She continued to say her new role feels like ‘such a privilege and a joy’, particularly as she is working with the two legendary presenters.

‘You can watch the show from Monday the 6th of January on @bbcone and @bbciplayer it is packed with lots of advice and information on how to keep you and your money safe,’ she signed off the post.

Fans quickly took to the comment section to share their excitement, with many telling Louise she would be ‘welcomed’ back into people’s homes happily.

‘Congratulations Louise you will be so welcome into so many people’s front rooms your an absolute legend Louise can’t wait for the 1st episode’, Michael Carrey said.

Channel 4 star Steph McGovern also shared her congratulations, commenting: ‘What a trio! Love this line up. Nice one Lou’. Other’s added ‘congratulations’ and Natalie Reid wrote: ‘Louise you will be great! Xx’.

Angela (R) recently announced she was leaving the show after 15 years (Picture: Tom Campbell)

Angela impressed on Strictly (Picture: BBC PICTURE ARCHIVES)

It comes after news Angela Rippon, who has co-hosted the show for the past 15 years, will not be returning to the next season of Rip Off Britain as she is stepping aside to concentrate on other ventures.

Angela, 80, first rose to fame in the industry after becoming the BBC’s first regular female news anchor. She also earned plenty of praise last year after competing on Strictly alongside Kai Widdrington.

A source told The Sun that this doesn’t mean Angela won’t be returning to the show ever again, though: ‘She is currently focusing on other projects, but the show looks forward to having her back in future series,’ they said.

Louise left the BBC in 2021 to focus on her family (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

She said she excited for her new gig (Picture: David Rose/REX/Shutterstock)

Next year’s show will see multiple episodes focused on scams to promote the BBC’s Scam Safe Week, as well as Louise, Gloria and Julia examining how pet owners are missing out on key insurance covers due to miscommunication.

It will mark the first time Louise has fronted a series after she announced she was leaving BBC Breakfast in 2021, after 20 years to spend more time with family.

She shares two daughters, Mia, 22, and Scarlett, 19, with her husband of almost 30 years, David Minchin.

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