Ulrika Jonsson, British TV presenter shuts down trolls over ageist comments on her appearance
The latest target was Ulrika Jonsson, the 57-year-old TV personality and former
Gladiators
host.
Appearing recently on Spencer Matthews'
Untapped
podcast, Ulrika candidly opened up about sobriety and how she is coping with it. But after clips from the episode were posted online, the conversation was ignored completely, and her appearance became the topic of discussion.
Facing a barrage of criticism calling her 'over-tanned' and 'old,' Jonsson took to Instagram to directly address the ageist remarks.
'I feel I need to address something,' Ulrika began alongside a selfie of her in a sunhat. I don't get a lot of nasty comments – or if I do, I don't see them or send people love in response. But a couple of weeks ago I took part in a fab podcast @untapped.podcast to discuss my sobriety with the smart @spencermatthews.
'
She explained that she wasn't wearing makeup during the podcast, not only because she'd forgotten, but because she's 'not a fan.'
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'Since childhood I've suffered from eczema,' she wrote on Instagram. 'On my body – the creases of my arms and legs – on my face, eyes and lips. Make-up has always been the enemy because it's been agony to wear.
Challenging the myth of eternal youth
Ulrika also pushed back against the unrealistic standards of beauty that often target women in the spotlight. 'In a few weeks I will be 58,' she said. 'I will never look like the fresh 21yr old that used to greet you first thing in the morning by the weather board.'
She added, 'I'm not ashamed to say that I am a sun worshipper and will no doubt pay the price for that. But UV lamps and salt baths, astringent solutions and creams were a feature of my life since I was a small child.' This reflection goes beyond vanity. It points to a cultural narrative that treats natural ageing, especially in women, as something to be avoided, hidden, or ridiculed.
One of the deeper issues Jonsson's post brings to light is the way women's appearances remain under relentless scrutiny.
Men grow old too, but rarely does the internet erupt over their wrinkles or pigmentation. For women, every line seems to need defending.
'I understand that an over-tanned, imperfect and ageing face offends you,' she wrote. 'But try to listen to the words rather than constantly judging women's appearance. You might learn something. And making people feel s*** doesn't make you a hero.'
Ironically, the very thing that got overlooked in the comments was the most meaningful part of Jonsson's podcast appearance—her continued sobriety. Speaking to Matthews, she said: 'For me, now sobriety is my priority, even though I used to say 'Oh my children are my priority'. Without my sobriety, I can't be there for my children, or something awful might happen, or whatever else.'
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