Angela Rippon has revealed the terrifying details of two muggings she suffered in London, during which thieves threatened to break her fingers and kicked her in the head. The 81-year-old former BBC newsreader and Strictly Come Dancing star spoke about the attacks on Vanessa Feltz's Channel 5 show, describing how she curled up in a foetal position on the pavement during the first incident.
Rippon explained that the first mugging occurred between 2000 and 2001, when two men demanded her handbag. 'I ended up on the ground and sort of curled up in the foetal position,' she said. 'At the point when one of them kicked my head and I suddenly thought actually, having concussion is not worth it, and I just did that [released] and let them take my handbag.' She then got up and chased the thieves, but they were 'like a pair of young gazelles' while she was in heels.
The second mugging involved two men, one of whom had his hands around her throat and threatened to break her fingers if she did not hand over her rings. Rippon said she lost a sentimental ring given to her by an aunt on her 21st birthday, which she angsted over more than the loss of a watch or diamond earrings. She advised that possessions are not worth risking injury, saying, 'You never know whether or not someone actually has a knife.'
Fans expressed sympathy on social media, with one calling Rippon a 'hero' and another lamenting the state of the world. The incidents took place in London, where Rippon has lived for many years.
