Presenter Vanessa Feltz has claimed that Anne Robinson made a racist remark while filming a celebrity Weakest Link special in 2006.
Last week, the 76-year-old Robinson was unveiled as the new host of Countdown on Channel 4, replacing the outgoing Nick Hewer.
Speaking to The Mirror, Feltz recalled her appearance on the quiz show 15 years ago, alleging that Robinson made the offensive joke about her partner, Anglo-Nigerian singer Ben Ofoedu.
Per Feltz’s claims, Robinson supposedly said: “Vanessa Feltz, looking the way you do, how do you think you land all these big black boyfriends?’
“I said, ‘I don’t think you will use that in the show as it’s racist and also completely inaccurate and in every way unsuitable’,” continued Feltz. “And they didn’t use it. I thought it was very ill-judged and they must have agreed as it wasn’t aired.”
Read more: Anne Robinson’s Weakest Link comments make her unsuitable for Countdown
The report also claims that drag performer Dave Lynn, who was also competing on the show during the episode, recalled Robinson’s alleged racist comment as well.
“I was horrified actually at the time,” he said. “I had met Vanessa quite a few times including on her chat show. I remember Anne saying it and I was quite shocked that she said it.
“We took a break and I said to Vanessa, ‘That was a bit odd. I thought it was a bit racist.’ I think she meant it as a joke, but it didn’t come over like that and Vanessa dealt with it very well.”
The Independent has contacted Robinson’s representative, the BBC and Channel 4 for comment.
Since being announced as Countdown host, Robinson’s behaviour in her career-shaping role as the host of The Weakest Link has faced scrutiny on social media.
One viral clip, in which Robinson questions a contestant about her personal life and receiving benefits, sparked a substantial backlash on Twitter.
