Anne Hegerty, known from The Chase, shared that her biggest fear about dating is having a man invade her personal space.
The quizzer, who was diagnosed with autism at 45, opened up about her challenges, mentioning a time when she unplugged her phone to stop a boyfriend from contacting her.
At The Paul Strank Roofing Charity Gala in Kensington, London, she honestly said that she thinks she would make a terrible partner.
Anne, 66, said, “I really struggle with being close to others and having anyone else in the house.
“I think a lot of autistic people don’t get married or settle down.”
Anne explained, “I don’t even have pets because of this, and my ability to live with other people is getting smaller. I need a lot of alone time.
“I always feel like I need more space than anyone can give me. If I wanted a relationship, I could find one, but honestly, I don’t.”
She also mentioned that her longest relationship only lasted four months. Reflecting on that time, she said, “It only worked for those few months because I was in Manchester. I kind of set it up so it wouldn’t last.”
In the end, she wrote to him to end things. “I remember crying with relief and then crying with guilt,” she shared.
Anne felt overwhelmed during that relationship. “Sometimes, I unplugged the phone because he tried to call me every day. I just wanted it to be over.
“I’d sit there waiting for the phone to ring, thinking, ‘Don’t phone, don’t phone, don’t phone!’ Other times, to get over the waiting, I’d call him, but that made him think I wanted to talk. I really just wanted to end it. I didn’t want to talk to him or anyone!”
Anne joked that she hasn’t lacked offers from admirers who seem to like her “Mrs. Trunchbull” Governess outfit.
She said, “I’m sure some people are attracted to the whole look of The Governess. I think there are some who might be interested if they let me.”
Anne said, “I do meet attractive men, but I know it won’t work out. I feel like it’s not fair to them because I won’t treat them well.”
She added, “I always want more space than they can give me. If I wanted a relationship, I could find someone, but I don’t.”
She thinks it’s better not to date at all and enjoys having men as friends more than women. She recalled a quiz she attended in June, where a woman pointed out they were the only two women in the room, but Anne hadn’t even noticed because she was talking to her male friends.
Anne also shared that this is part of why she never had children, even though she is great with kids. “I did want children, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle it very well.”
About 20 years ago, two kids from her neighborhood used to come over. “We limited their visits to just one hour a day, but they always wanted to stay longer. They were wonderful kids, and we’re now friends on Facebook, but I couldn’t handle that for more than an hour.”
Anne takes her role as godmother to Mark “Beast” Labbett’s eight-year-old son, Lawrence, very seriously.
She said, “Lawrence’s birthday is at the end of November, so I usually send a birthday and Christmas present at the same time—but they are not the same gift. My parents had winter birthdays, and I knew they hated getting just one present for two celebrations.”
Anne joked that one of the gifts she gave Lawrence was a bit inappropriate—a toy crossbow. “So, weaponry,” she laughed. “But lately, I’ve been giving him Minecraft vouchers since he really loves that.”
She also mentioned that she has spent Christmas alone for the past 40 years. That’s why she’s especially happy to be playing the Fairy Godmother in this year’s panto, Cinderella, in Scarborough.
Anne, who was on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here in 2018, said, “Now that I’m in panto, I can say, ‘Sorry, I’m in Scarborough!’ and that’s my only day off.”
She sees it as a great day off. Even though many people invite her to spend Christmas with them, she prefers not to. “I don’t do Christmas dinner or a tree. When I was a kid, I just remember all the pine needles everywhere!”
Earlier this year, Anne took on another acting role, making a cameo as a neighbor in a film called Exorcising Barry, which is about a man obsessed with a demon.
Anne said that any chance of going to Hollywood is out of the question.
She explained, “America wouldn’t want me because I’m fat. I have a friend who went there for work, and even though she looks amazing, they told her she needed to lose weight. I’m fine with how I am, but they don’t like fat British actresses.”
Despite this, she has had great success in Britain. Talking about The Chase’s recent National Television Award win, she said, “I’m so happy. Bradley Walsh is amazing. It’s been 14 years, and I love it.”
She added, “Other kids used to sing in front of the mirror with a hairbrush. When I was younger, I practiced being interviewed for when I became famous. I don’t know why, but it’s always been my dream.”
Dan Bongino Reveals the Tragic Reason Why He Actually Left Fox News
Dan Bongino, a name synonymous with conservative commentary, has carved out a prominent place in American media. Born in New York on December 4, 1974, Bongino’s journey from a blue-collar upbringing to a key figure in conservative circles is a testament to his diverse career and unwavering principles. From his early days in law enforcement to his impactful presence in media and politics, Bongino’s life and career have been marked by resilience, strong convictions, and public controversy. His recent departure from Fox News in 2023 has raised questions about the future of his influence and career.
Early Life and Law Enforcement Career
Dan Bongino’s roots are humble; his mother worked in a supermarket, and his father was a plumber. This background gave him a down-to-earth perspective, much like the “new money” persona often referenced in popular culture. Bongino’s professional journey began with the New York Police Department (NYPD), where he served from 1995 to 1999. His commitment to public service led him to the U.S. Secret Service in 1999, where he protected Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. His time in the Secret Service provided a deep understanding of national security and government operations, laying the groundwork for his later career in media and writing.
Transition to Media and Writing
In 2011, Bongino left the Secret Service and transitioned to a career in media. He quickly became known for his conservative viewpoints, which he articulated through books and television appearances. His first book, *Life Inside the Bubble*, published in 2013, offered an insider’s view of the Secret Service and the political dynamics within the federal government. This was followed by other works, such as *The Fight* and *Protecting the President*, where Bongino delved into national security, political issues, and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies.
Bongino’s writing established him as a knowledgeable commentator, and his transition to media further amplified his voice. He became a regular contributor to Fox News and other conservative outlets, where his dynamic and passionate delivery resonated with viewers. His podcast and radio program, *The Dan Bongino Show*, reaches millions, making him a significant figure in conservative media.
Political Ambitions and Influence
Bongino’s influence extends beyond media; he has also ventured into politics, although with mixed success. He ran for Congress in Maryland’s 6th District in 2012 and the 8th District in 2014 but was not elected. Despite these setbacks, Bongino remained a vocal advocate for conservative principles, including limited government, Second Amendment rights, and strong national security. His political experiences, though not victorious, did not diminish his standing within the conservative movement.
Controversies and Personal Challenges
Bongino’s outspoken nature has made him a polarizing figure. His criticism of mainstream media and political opponents has sparked controversy, with supporters praising his dedication to conservative values and critics accusing him of divisive rhetoric. One notable incident in 2021 involved his wife, Paula Andrea Bongino, who was forcibly removed from a restaurant due to a misunderstanding. Bongino publicly defended his wife, turning the event into a commentary on how public figures and their families are treated.
In addition to public controversies, Bongino has faced significant personal challenges, particularly related to his health. In September 2020, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. Despite the diagnosis, Bongino maintained a positive outlook and openly shared his journey with his audience, inspiring many with his resilience.
Departure from Fox News
Bongino’s career took a significant turn in 2023 when he announced his departure from Fox News. As the host of *Unfiltered with Dan Bongino*, he had become a staple of the network’s conservative commentary. However, disagreements over contract terms led to his exit, a move that surprised many of his fans. Bongino expressed dissatisfaction with the terms offered and decided to leave the network, marking a pivotal moment in his media career.
Conclusion
Dan Bongino’s journey from law enforcement to becoming a major voice in conservative media is one of resilience and adaptability. His departure from Fox News may have been a setback, but it has not diminished his influence. Through his podcast, social media presence, and continued media appearances, Bongino remains a significant figure in American conservative circles. His story is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the impact one individual can have on national discourse. As he continues to navigate his career and personal challenges, Bongino’s influence is likely to persist, fueled by his passion for the issues he holds dear.
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