Angela Rippon, the beloved TV broadcaster, has shared a harrowing account of being mugged twice in London, revealing how thieves threatened to “break her fingers” and even kicked her in the head during the attacks.
The 81-year-old star, who rose to fame in the 1970s, disclosed the shocking details during an appearance on Vanessa Feltz’s Channel 5 show. She explained that both incidents took place between 2000 and 2001, with the attackers targeting her in broad daylight. In one of the muggings, Angela was left with no choice but to hand over her jewellery after being threatened with violence.
Angela recalled, “I was kicked in the head during one of the muggings after I curled up on the ground to protect my handbag. They wanted my handbag, and I was so terrified of the situation that I let them take it. But when one of them kicked me in the head, I thought, ‘This isn’t worth it.’”
In a poignant moment, Angela shared the emotional toll the incidents took on her, especially when she lost sentimental pieces of jewellery that had little monetary value but held deep personal significance.
She continued, “I lost a ring that had been given to me by my aunt on my 21st birthday. It wasn’t worth anything in financial terms, but it meant the world to me. That loss hurt me more than losing my expensive jewellery.”
Angela was also shaken by how onlookers responded to the attack. Rather than stepping in to help, she noticed that some people had taken out their phones to film the incident, likely too scared to intervene. “It was shocking,” Angela added. “But I get it—people are afraid that they might become victims themselves.”
The two muggings, which occurred in a public setting, left Angela with physical injuries, and while she fought back during the first attack, she ultimately gave in to the demands of the robbers to avoid further harm.
In the second mugging, Angela was confronted by two men, one of whom placed his hands around her throat and threatened to break her fingers if she didn’t hand over her rings. Despite the terror of the moment, Angela remained calm, saying, “At that point, I just thought, ‘What’s the point? They’re possessions.’”
Reflecting on the violent nature of the robbery, she admitted that at one point she feared for her life, explaining that the attackers were much bigger and stronger than her. “It was clear this was a planned attack,” Angela explained. “They yanked my diamond earrings off with brute force, and my watch was ripped off too.”
The shocking incidents highlight the harsh reality of the dangers many people face in the streets, even in public spaces. Angela’s bravery during these terrifying moments has earned her widespread admiration, with fans praising her for speaking out about her traumatic experiences.
Angela’s career as a TV presenter spans decades, with notable roles on Top Gear, Come Dancing, and Antiques Roadshow. In recent years, however, she has also become vocal about the changes she’s seen in the TV industry. In an interview with GB News, Angela expressed her frustrations with the growing influence of “wokeism” on television, pointing out how certain shows from the past could never be aired today.
Reflecting on her career and the changes in television, she said, “In the 70s, when there were only a few channels, we all watched the same shows. Now, there are so many channels, and I don’t think the magic of TV is the same. I don’t like how everything has become too politically correct, and many shows from the past would never make it on air today.”
Despite the controversies and challenges she has faced in both her personal and professional life, Angela Rippon remains a beloved figure in British broadcasting, admired for her resilience and openness about her experiences.
