I’m A Celebrity success story Anne Hegerty is better known as her alter-ego The Governess in ITV’s The Chase.
And while millions tune in to the hit game show every weekday in the hope of seeing the stern brainiac make an appearance, few probably know the inspiration for her TV persona.
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Known for wearing a grey suit, and refusing to smile if she can help it, Anne is one of five ‘Chasers’ on the show who set out to deny the contestants from walking away with a money prize.
And she has now revealed the inspiration for her character is evil Professor Umbridge from the Harry Potter stories.
Fans of the young wizard will know that Dolores Umbridge was played by Imelda Staunton in the hit films and was an enemy of Harry.
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However, in quotes printed in What’s On TV, Anne now admits that The Governess is more likeable than Dolores and probably more like Professor McGonagall, played by Maggie Smith.
The 60-year-old said: “I modelled The Governess on Professor Umbridge from Harry Potter, but people say I’m more Professor McGonagall, who’s more likeable.
“I didn’t set out to be liked; everyone’s supposed to be terrified of me.”
She went on to say: “I’m surprised by the amount of viewers who want the Chaser to win!
“I love getting into character. I put on the suit, the belt, the shoes, the lipstick, and in the mirror ‘that look’ appears.”
Anne’s very own quiz show Britain’s Brightest Family returns next week to ITV.
In it, Anne hosts a 30-minute quiz show where 16 highly intelligent families from across the UK take part in a knock out tournament to win the coveted title of Britain’s Brightest Family, and the holiday of a lifetime.
In the chat, Anne also revealed that she’s still in contact with her I’m A Celeb pals via WhatsApp.
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