Anne Robinson - Goodbye Britain?

Anne Robinson could be leaving for the US

Anne Robinson has admitted she is prepared to quit Britain if her quiz show The Weakest Link takes off in America.

The star has signed a deal to present a US version of the hit show on NBC which could net her as much as £15m.

It took me a while to realise it was turning some people on.

Anne Robinson

Robinson has hinted she will do whatever it takes ensure the leap onto American screens is a success, including moving there on a more permanent basis.

She told Heat magazine: "I'm happy to do whatever's required."

Asked if she would buy a house in the US if necessary, she said: "I'm always happy to spend money. I'm Mrs Spend me."

American audiences

But Robinson is realistic about the chances of going down well with American audiences.

She said: "They might say, 'She's rubbish, send her back on the banana boat. It's pretty rare for a British presenter to make it over there.

"Tracey Ullman I suppose, David Frost.... Mrs Thatcher. I think if it does take off it will be due to their fascination with English accents and English attitudes.

"It certainly won't be down to my age and beauty."

The success of The Weakest Link, which has been recommissioned for another 100 shows, has forced Robinson to step down from her commitments on the BBC One's Watchdog programme.

Gay following

Fan mail has been pouring in from admirers of her bossy dominatrix image, humiliating contestants for getting questions wrong.

She then takes delight in sending them down the walk of shame with the immortal lines: "You are the weakest link, goodbye."

Robinson said: "It took me a while to realise it was turning some people on.

"And the gay clubs like it apparently. They show it in the corner. I don't know why.

"The nuns at my convent boarding school would be horrified."