TikTok star Ann Russell on myths and life mistakes
Ann Russell has become the internet’s favourite auntie - without ever trying to be one.
The TikTok star, who now speaks to more than three million followers, still seems faintly surprised when someone recognises her in real life.
The Hampshire-based cleaner's first time being recognised came mid‑commute, as she offered to help a woman manoeuvre a buggy off a train.
Ann's huge following. Pic: TikTok
The woman declined, hurried off, then called back, 'I love your TikToks!'.
Ann - who is set to appear tonight on Lucy Kennedy's new chat show, Unfiltered with Lucy Kennedy on Virgin Media at 9pm - remembers standing there, slightly stunned.
'It was flattering,' she tells EVOKE. 'People are always sweet.'
Despite making a TikTok account to stalk her niece, she now has millions asking her for advice daily.
Ann giving advice in her videos. Pic: TikTok
Younger viewers, she says, gravitate towards her because modern life leaves everyone stretched.
'Most people have parents who work, who are busy. We’re all busy,' she explains.
And when you’re stuck — whether it’s cooking, cleaning or a minor life crisis — it’s often easier to ask the familiar face in your phone than your actual busy mother.
She grew up asking different adults for different kinds of help — her grandmother for some things, her aunt for others, a family friend for decorating advice — and she sees TikTok as the modern version of that patchwork support system.
TikTok star Ann Russell
'All that’s just switched to online now,' she says.
It’s why she doesn’t mind the auntie label - in fact, she finds it fitting.
'I try and give good advice,' she says. 'And I quite like it when people don’t agree with me. It promotes discussion.'
Ann laughs that she’s 'sometimes accused of being a know‑it‑all', but she’s quick to point out that she only answers what she genuinely knows.
TikTok star Ann Russell on Lucy Kennedy's new chat show, Unfiltered with Lucy Kennedy
'What would I say — ‘Sorry, I don’t know’? End of TikTok. Very boring.'
For all the cosy auntie energy, Ann is still ruthlessly practical.
Asked for one cleaning myth she wishes people would finally let go of, she doesn’t hesitate to answer.
'Mixing vinegar and bicarbonate of soda,' she says, with the weary tone of someone who has seen far too many doomed DIY hacks.
'People think it’s a particularly efficacious cleaning solution. It really isn’t.'
