Romesh Ranganathan interview on hosting The Weakest Link

Romesh Ranganathan is the new host of ‘The Weakest Link but confesses he will never attempt to copy Anne Robinson’s signature wink.

The much-loved stand-up comedian is fronting the relaunched quiz show, which originally ran on BBC Two between 2000 and 2012 with Anne, 77, asking the tough questions and sending the contestants on their way with cruel putdowns, although she would offer a wink to individuals she liked.

Anne has taken her wink with her to Channel 4 brainteaser ‘Countdown’, but Romesh insists he won’t be adding it to his own presenting repertoire.

Referring to the fact he has a lazy eye, he told the Mirror : “The honest truth is, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room, I always look like I’m midway through a wink – at all times.

“I did think about it. We talked about it at the beginning but there are certain things that Anne did that were textbook her, and so I just made sure I didn’t do. You want to do it in your own way. “

The ‘A League of Their Own’ star has ptosis in his right eye – following a major eye infection, aged three – which means he has a drooped eyelid.

Romesh – who has three sons, Alex, Charlie and Theo, with his wife Leesa – will not rule out an “accidental” wink taking place on the show, which will begin on 18 December at 6.10pm on BBC One.

He said: “But listen, I just want to categorically state now that I don’t remember exactly my every movement, it’s possible that I did wink at one stage – I don’t know for definite. If I did, I just want to say I apologise – it’s accidental.”

Romesh, 43, jokingly added: “If I’m going to get cancelled for something I don’t want it to be for accidentally winking.”