Anne Robinson previously acknowledged that age was a factor, describing herself as “fit” but conscious that people were “trying to cope with an elderly, infirm mother miles away”
Anne Robinson has shared the heartbreaking reason why she’s had to leave the idyllic Cotswolds(Image: Getty Images)
Anne Robinson has opened up about the deeply personal reason behind her decision to leave her idyllic Cotswolds home and relocate to London. Back in July, Anne revealed she had made the “heartbreaking decision” to leave her historic Grade-II listed barn near Hatherop in favour of a new home closer to her daughter, Emma, and her family in the capital.
The TV veteran acknowledged that age was a factor, describing herself as “fit” but conscious that people were “trying to cope with an elderly, infirm mother miles away”, and admitting that she “wouldn’t pass a driving test”.
The former Weakest Link presenter has now shed further light on the reasoning behind her move. Speaking to Lorraine Kelly in a recent interview, Anne discussed how she maintains her health at the age of 81.
Anne told Experience Is Everything with Saga on YouTube: “Well, I do Pilates twice a week, and I run. I do exercises, and I don’t mind the Pilates. The keep-fit trainer; he’s very nice, but that’s quite boring. And I just try not to be ill.”
She continued: “I’m just selling my house in the country because my eyes aren’t good, and I can’t drive and I can’t be really isolated anymore. But, you know, and I don’t hear that well.”
When pressed further about her eyesight, Anne explained: “Well, they’re not great, to the point where I can’t really safely drive anymore, and that means I’m rather isolated. So, it’s a sensible decision.
“It’s not the greatest decision because me and the family have had a wonderful…I’ve been down there 40 years. But that’s how it is. So, that’s what I’ve got to do.”
Lorraine agreed that it made “sense” and would also help Anne maintain her independence.
Anne said we need to “hang on to what we can” as we age, revealing she would be relocating to a fourth-floor terrace with views over Hyde Park.
In a previous interview with The Telegraph, Anne disclosed that her former Cotswolds property, on the market for a staggering £4.25million, was “in the hands” of estate agent Sam Butler.
Anne also stressed that she didn’t want “anyone to dictate” her future. “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.
“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.”
Once she completes her move to London, she will be accompanied by her Australian labradoodle, Martha. Anne acknowledges, however, that her pet will need to “learn to love parakeets and cockapoos.”
