Angela Rippon replaced by Louise Minchin for next series of Rip Off Britain

The BBC said that from January Minchin joins the line-up of Gloria Hunniford and Julia Somerville on the consumer programme, which began in 2009 with Rippon as co-host.

Somerville joined in 2011, replacing Jennie Bond from the third season on.

It is understood by the PA news agency that Rippon is focusing on other projects and the BBC is looking forward to having her back for a future season of the show.

Minchin, 56, said: “I’m delighted to be joining the incredible team at Rip Off Britain.

“I’ve always admired the show for really making a difference, for shining a spotlight on the issues that matter most to people and empowering viewers with the knowledge to tackle everyday challenges and stand up for their rights.

“From uncovering scams to giving audiences the advice they need to safeguard their money, we’ll do our best to promote the stories that expose the latest consumer issues and help to make a real difference. It’s going to be an exciting series.”

Last year, Rippon took part in Strictly Come Dancing with Kai Widdrington after hosting the show’s predecessor Come Dancing between 1988 and 1999.

The 80-year-old, who was the first regular female news anchor on the BBC, also joined the 2024 Strictly tour, and presented some of the latest series of Rip Off Britain.

The new series of Rip Off Britain will take a look at holidays including compensation from the 2024 Dubai floods, parcels being destroyed as well as the “high-pressure sales tactics by a domestic heating company – and hear from customers who ended up with rocketing energy bills”.

The commissioning editor for daytime, Rachel Platt, said: “Louise is a great addition to the Rip Off Britain team.

“She brings both the journalistic rigour needed to hold organisations to account and the warmth and empathy to get to the heart of real stories.”

Rip Off Britain returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on January 6.