2 days ago
EXCLUSIVE Beloved BBC star to miss ANOTHER series of their hit TV show after 15 years on air
A fan-favourite BBC star will miss another series of her hit daytime TV programme after announcing a break from the show last year.
Rip Off Britain is returning to BBC One's schedule for its 18th series as production officially gets underway on the long-running hit.
However, MailOnline can exclusively reveal Angela Rippon will not return for the next instalment.
It comes after it was announced last year that the 80-year-old veteran broadcaster had decided to step back from the current series to pursue other work commitments, including the launch of her Let's Dance campaign on the back of her Strictly appearance.
The show is also co-anchored by Julia Somervile and Gloria Hunniford, with former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin drafted in to replace Angela on the most recent series.
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A source said: 'Angela won't be coming back for the next series as she extends her sabbatical to focus on her initiative to get people dancing across the country in a bid to improve the population's health and wellbeing.
'She is very much still part of the Rip Off Britain family and the door is being kept open by BBC bosses for a return later down the line - and Angela is adamant she will be returning when her schedule allows.
'The programme is filmed in blocks with a mix of studio and solo scenes on location which makes the shooting schedule more complex as producers juggle each star's personal schedules.
'Louise Minchin is set to return to the role left vacant by Angela after becoming a hit with viewers.'
MailOnline contacted the BBC for comment.
Rip Off Britain first aired in 2009 and has a total of 552 episodes produced to date, tackles consumers who have been ripped off.
It airs mid-mornings on BBC One and also alerts viewers to watch out for rip-offs that are currently on the market.
Angela - who was awarded an OBE in 2004 for her services to broadcasting, charity and the arts - celebrated her 80th birthday with four lavish bashes in October last year.
Speaking to the Mail at an afternoon tea party at The Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, she said: 'I actually don't know what it's like to be 80 and I have no intention of finding out.
'I intend to spend however long I've got on this perch growing old disgracefully, because it's a lot more fun.'
She was presented with a five-tier pink cake by volunteer organisation the Phoenix Fun Events Team, which featured edible rice paper pictures of her on it.
