The popular BBC daytime show, Rip Off Britain, is making a triumphant return to screens, but not all of the familiar faces will be present. The show, which has been a fixture on BBC One for 15 years, has announced its return, focusing on special scam episodes as part of Scam Safe week on the BBC. However, one of the show's main presenters, Angela Rippon, is not set to appear in the upcoming series.
Rip Off Britain has been a cornerstone of BBC daytime television since its launch in 2009, and its return is sure to be welcomed by fans. The show has become a beloved institution, providing valuable insights into the latest marketplace deceptions and empowering viewers by sharing real-life stories of scams. The show has amassed a staggering 552 episodes over the years, helping consumers navigate the complexities of the modern marketplace.
Rippon, a veteran broadcaster known for her sharp wit and engaging personality, has been a key part of Rip Off Britain since its inception. She has co-presented the show alongside Gloria Hunniford and Julia Somerville, offering support and guidance to viewers who have been victims of scams and fraud. However, Rippon is currently focusing on other projects, and the show looks forward to having her back in future series, leaving Hunniford and Somerville to take the reins this time around.
Despite Rippon's absence, the new series of Rip Off Britain promises to be just as informative and engaging as ever. The show will continue to tackle the pressing consumer issues hitting audiences across the UK, including scams, fraud, and other forms of consumer exploitation. The series will be featuring special scam episodes as part of Scam Safe week on the BBC, educating and informing audiences to help them protect themselves and those they love.
Hunniford, a seasoned TV presenter and co-host, has been a part of Rip Off Britain for many years, and viewers will be pleased to see her back on their screens. She will be joined by Julia Somerville, another well-known and respected broadcaster. Together, the pair will continue to champion the rights of consumers and expose the latest scams and rip-offs plaguing the market.
In the lead up to Christmas, the series will feature stories about fake missing person ads and cheque fraud, as well as the disturbing case of eBay scammers holding a man to ransom. The team will also uncover the misuse of cookies by fraudsters, and a shocking story of a house being put up for sale without the owner knowing anything about it. The series will also highlight Amazon account scams via remote access and the potentially lethal fake weight-loss injections being sold online, as well as how the tech industry is responding to the rise in phone theft.
In addition to scams and fraud, the series will tackle other pressing consumer issues affecting the nation. The ladies will take a look at how miscommunication between vets and insurers is leading to pet owners losing out when their animals get ill, the perils of rapidly spreading bamboo taking root under homes, and the team will help a former bank employee from Southampton track down her lost £45,000 pension pot.
Gloria Hunniford shared her excitement about the new series, stating: “I’m delighted to be back in a bid to help the nation once again. Our scam specials will really help audiences to keep vigilant, and be prepared for the clever ways these criminals can get hold of our details, our hearts, and our money!”.
Julia Somerville also commented on the new series, saying: “What I love about Rip Off Britain, is that there is a story for everyone. You might not think you would have a consumer related issue, but we’ve got everyone and everything covered. From pet owners, home owners and anyone with a bank account there will be something we will be able to help with, or raise awareness. Everyone is a consumer and we’re here to get you all the information you may need.”
Rip Off Britain returns to BBC One and iPlayer on 11 November at 10.45am.
