Anne Hegerty has spoken candidly with the Mirror about the turning point that changed everything for her as a woman with autism.
The Chaser, best known by her formidable 'The Governess' persona, is widely admired for her fierce intelligence and extraordinary breadth of general knowledge. However, as much as she may instil fear in plucky competitors, Anne is also isn't afraid to let her steely side down and open up about some of the challenges she's had to navigate as an autistic woman.
The Mirror caught up with Anne at this year's Pride of Britain Awards, where she appeared a world away from the stern, slightly teacher-ish alter ego that made her a household name. Relaxed and glam in twinkling grey, Anne, 66, exuded warmth as she spoke with the Mirror about her upcoming turn as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella - a role suited to one who heartily admits she quite likes playing a 'goody' against type.
And much like the eponymous glass slipper wearer herself, there was one rather magical moment in Anne's life that altered the course of her life for the better.
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Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)Image:
ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Reflecting on the difficulties she's faced as an autistic woman, Anne told the Mirror: "It got a great deal easier once I got the job on The Chase and actually got some money. There are very few problems that can't be solved with money."
This does not mean, however, that every day is easy. Anne continued: "I mean, it's still a challenge to get yourself up and actually showered and do things. I've gotten very behind with the mail this year. It's piling up and I've really got to sit down and tackle it. Things like that.
"Things like, 'I must sit down with my panto script and ask some questions about scenes that I don't quite understand how they're going to work. Things like that."
As is the case with many autistic women, Anne was diagnosed in adulthood. She was 45 years old when, in 2005, she happened across a programme about children with autism and recognised many of their behaviours in herself, including sensory issues, difficulties completing chores, and dealing with loud noises during periods of stress.
Anne, an intellectually voracious child, excelled in learning, but the world of work proved to be tricky. In 2008, she hit her 'low point' after losing her job as a copy editor and proofreader. Remembering this upsetting period during a 2022 appearance on the BBC Access All podcast, Anne explained: "I was good at the proofreading, but I was not good at actually getting the thing finished, parcelling it up and sending out an invoice."
Behind on rent and bills, Anne had to deal with bailiffs darkening her door. Little did she know how stupendously her fortune was about to change.
After paying her a visit, a kindly housing association employee put her in touch with a 'lovely' social worker called Jeff, who helped her access utility funding and apply for benefits such as Jobseeker's Allowance and Disability Living Allowance.
This, Anne said, gave her the 'breathing space' she so desperately needed to get back on track. Around one year later, Anne began to find her feet as a professional quizzer, and while attending the Quizzing World Championships, opportunity knocked when she ran into a certain Mark 'The Beast' Labbett, who tipped her off about a then brand new quiz show called The Chase. When auditions were held for new Chasers for the second season, clever Anne didn't hesitate.
Nowadays, Anne appears in her element as she mingles with fellow celebs on the red carpet, having forged a phenomenon career out of her infectious love of knowledge. Concluding her chat with the Mirror, Anne grinned: "It's been a good year, they're all good years!"
- Don't miss the Pride of Britain Awards, Thursday 24th October, 8pm ITV1 and ITVX
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