Naked Attraction 's Anna Richardson has praised the series for its inclusivity amid rumours a famous face is set to strip off on the show.
The popular presenter, 52, says there is 'nothing sexy' about the Channel 4 series that sees singletons appear in the nude on national TV in the hope of finding love, and dubs it 'family-friendly' viewing that is about inclusion and acceptance, rather than the 'perfection and betrayal' seen on other dating shows.
Anna - who recently confirmed her new romance following her split from Sue Perkins - admits she was wary of signing up to host the show at first, but quickly realised it wasn't just about 'looking at willies and fannies' but actually a more nuanced and kinder approach to helping singletons find love as television viewers watch on.
"When it was first pitched to me - I'm a producer and format creator as well [as a presenter] so that's what I used to do - I said to the team that make it, 'We need to be really careful about this because if it was just about sex, or looking at willies and fannies, we are going to get [criticised] and I don't want anything to do with it'," Anna explained exclusively to the Mirror last week.
"So when we interrogated the format a little bit more, it was absolutely clear this show is about inclusion and acceptance. Even though it's very funny as well - there's a comedy element to it - but ultimately when you dig below that, it's about inclusion and acceptance," the presenter continued.
She added: "There's nothing sexy about Naked Attraction. You can't watch that show and say it's pornographic or a turn on - it's about people and acceptance.
"I feel very strongly about other dating shows that are on TV that I feel are about perfection and betrayal, and Naked Attraction is not about that at all. In a sense, I think it's a family friendly show - so many generations watch the show.
"My dad watches it and he's a 80-year-old vicar. Teenagers watch it with their parents - it's an inclusive show that's about being human. You end up feeling better about your own body and seeing other types of bodies.
"Where else do you see naked trans people on TV?"
The presenter's praise for Naked Attraction's approach last week came before Monday's report Channel 4 is looking to shake up the programme's format by adding a famous face into the mix to bare all - with the celeb who steps up to the task possibly landing themselves a 'five figure sum' for their birthday suit appearance.
During our chat with Anna about all things Naked Attraction, the TV star also explained how she met her new beau thanks to mutual friends playing matchmaker, as she works alongside dating app Badoo in a bid to help the nation's singletons avoid some major mistakes when it comes to trying to meet 'The One'.
As we discussed online dating and first dates with Anna on Thursday [September 29], talk turned to how to keep the spark alive when romances develop into official relationships - with the popular presenter revealing she has found love again following her split from comedian Sue Perkins last year.
Anna and former Great British Bake Off presenter Sue, 53, shocked fans last year when they announced their split after seven years together. Before her romance with the comedian, Anna was in a relationship with drama director Charles Martin for 18 years.
"I have been introduced to apps [while dating], but actually I ended up meeting somebody through friends of friends," Anna explained to us as she discussed her current relationship.
"Yeah, so again, I just got really, really lucky that someone was compatible in my friendship circle.
"So many girlfriends of mine have met through apps and I know they're brilliant."
Anna may be off the market but the popular presenter is still keen to help single Brits, as she teams up with dating app Badoo to help the nation's singleton's avoid flirty messages getting lost in translation and provided some simple tips to help daters go from A (app) to D (date).
"Interestingly, Badoo have done some really fascinating research about what puts people off when it comes to dating but I’ll give you the three top tips first when it comes to how to get a date," Anna begins when sharing her wisdom with us last week.
"Firstly, first impressions count. So you’re not gonna turn up a job interview in your job gear, [implying] that you’re squeezing them in before a work out, so first impressions still count. It’s quite an old fashioned concept but it still rings true," the Naked Attraction host reveals.
She continued: "So technically, if you’re going to texting someone, take care. Proof read what you’re writing - get someone else to proof read too if you’re concerned about either your spelling or how it’s coming across.
"In their research - and I thought this was a joke when I first heard it - Badoo have found 69% of daters are put off by lazy messaging! 69!
"So the key message, first impressions count so take the time and effort - don’t rush. Take care with who you’re communicating with."
*Anna Richardson has teamed up with dating app Badoo to guide singletons on the most common messaging mishaps, encouraging them to put in more time and effort to land more dates. Watch here.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct at 0207 29 33033
