Born:
July 14, 1958
in
Westminster, London
Best Known For:
For being The Chase's Governess
Early-life:
Anne was born in Wood Green, London, in 1958. She has said she didn't enjoy school much at first but went on to do well academically. After leaving school, she worked as a journalist in Wales and Manchester and was also employed as a proof reader, but her career suffered as she struggled with organisation and multitasking. In 2003, while watching a documentary about children with autism, Anne realised she could have the condition, and was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in 2005. Anne had always been a keen quizzer, appearing on shows including Mastermind, Fifteen to One and Are You an Egghead.
Career:
In 2008, Anne was struggling to earn a steady income and credits a social worker with helping to sort out her finances and convincing her to audition for The Chase. She joined the quiz show in 2010, during its second series, and soon became a firm favourite with viewers. She's since gone on to appear on the Australian version of the show, and has also starred in pantomimes. In 2018, she began hosting her own quiz show, Britain's Brightest Family, and later that year she took part in I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, which showed viewers her softer side.
Quote:
"For a long time I wasn't allowed to be anything but The Governess when I went on TV, even if I went on a talk show I had to be in costume. I mean guys, I own clothes!"
Trivia:
Presenter Bradley Walsh came up with her Chase nickname. She was originally going to be known as The Headmistress but he started calling her The Governess during rehearsals and Anne decided to adopt that instead.