Anne Robinson shares own view of trans rights: 'A woman is someone with a vagina'

Anne Robinson has become the latest celebrity to voice her views about women's safety and transgender rights.

The TV presenter, who recently announced that she was quitting her role on Countdown after a year, was expressing concerns about the allowing of transgender people who have not undergone sex reassignment surgery into women-only spaces.

When asked about the current trans debate and how she personally defines a woman she responded: “A woman is someone with a vagina."

Though she points out that people are entitled to disagree with that opinion, she goes on to say that the topic of single-sex spaces requires further discussion.

"I am just horrified that we can’t have a debate about this," she told The Telegraph. "That’s what really troubles me. I’m horrified by the lack of safety in women’s changing rooms, in swimming pools and that sort of thing.

“I think the most interesting statistic is that the amount of trans [people] who actually surgically get altered is minuscule. So you are talking about men in women’s changing rooms.”

Watch: Presenter Anne Robinson discusses her abortion in her twenties

Robinson went on tell the publication she had never met anyone "who hates the idea that we can define a woman with common sense.

"I've never met this person that's so angry. I suspect they're angry [anyway] and this has been quite good to latch on to."

Read more: Superdrug launches range of sanitary products for 'people who menstruate'

While trans campaigners have likened their fight to the gay rights movement, Robinson believes there is a crucial difference: “No. I’m sorry. Gay marriage, gay rights – we could all debate it. Show me a programme that’s debating trans on television. What are they so frightened of?”

Later in the interview the controversial Countdown presenter shared her views on women and ageing.

“There is an element of fat-ism about all of us," she said. "If you’re going to encourage people to be delighted to see older women, it helps if they look OK. We can’t start with overweight women on television who are 70 with bad hair."

She also opened up about how glad she is that a light is being shone on the menopause recently, urging women to seek help if they are suffering.

“I always say: if you put the key in the lock when you get home at night and you know you want to kill everyone on the other side of the door, it’s time to go to a consultant. A female consultant. Do not ever, ever go to a male gynaecologist. Or a GP, because the chances of your GP knowing enough about the menopause to guide you are below zero.”

Read more: Munroe Bergdorf labels JK Rowling's views 'dangerous' in latest transgender Twitter row

Robinson's interview comes a week after announcing she is quitting hosting Countdown after just one year.

She took over as the host of Channel 4's brainteaser quiz show in June 2021 but is stepping down after recording 265 episodes.

“I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful show. And I stayed longer than I signed up for. Now it is time for an older woman to take the reins," Robinson said in a statement.

"I hope too I’ve encouraged TV bosses to realise that not all women at the wrong end of their seventies are in care homes playing bingo and watching conjuring tricks.

“In fact the genius of Countdown is that it’s a brilliant way to keep the brain exercised. I run 5k most days of the week.

“And I can now do an anagram at twice the speed I could this time last year.

“But I have grandchildren, a large garden and a home in New York, all deserving more of my attention.”

Read more: Rachel Riley gives access to her DMs to highlight online abuse

Robinson previously addressed speculation of a behind-the-scenes feud with her Countdown co-star Rachel Riley, by sharing kind words about Riley, as well as other co-presenter Susie Dent, when directly asked about them by Rachel Johnson in an interview.

“They’re brilliant – both of them actually," MailOnline reports that Robinson told Johnson. "Every time I’m astonished how she [Rachel] does that adding up and subtracting – just seconds, absolutely seconds. Amazing.”

Robinson continued: “I hope I’m always described as difficult, awkward, tricky, impatient, menopausal and grumpy.”