Saira Khan has called for change in a candid post about racism and cultural differences in Britain.
The former Loose Women star, 50, took to Instagram to share a message about her experiences growing up as the child of parents who emigrated to Britain from Pakistan.
Saira insisted she never felt the colour of her skin ever "hindered her progress" but added: "There is prejudice on both sides - it is not just white people hating on those of colour."
She posted a statement to her page in which she declared: "As an Asian woman born in this country to immigrant parents, I am proud to be British, grateful for this country helping my parents to help me to recognise and realise my potential.
"If I'm honest, as an Asian woman it's my Asian culture that has tried to hold me back more than any racism I have faced. That's my truth."
Saira then went on to explain "we all have to play our part in tackling racism", adding: "so many of us are ignorant of each other’s cultural background and religious beliefs which leads to misunderstandings and division."
The telly star wrote: "As a woman in a mixed marriage with a mixed race child, I can say from first hand experience, there is prejudice on both sides - it is not just White people hating on those of colour.
"The colour of my skin has not hindered my progress in this country. In fact right now, the world we live in, it’s an advantage to be a woman of colour, because there is a need from all institutions for better representation of our society.
"The focus on white people and their unconscious bias has been documented well.
"I think it is also time for many Asian and Black communities to look deep at their own prejudices and admit that they too need to make changes in order to take advantage of all the opportunities this country had to offer."
She signed off her post with: "If you harbour any prejudice, discrimination of any kind - you’re a loser - that’s a fact - regardless of the colour of your skin."
In her column for The Mirror, Saira previously revealed she'd been sent death threats after confirming she's no longer a practising Muslim.
She's been open about her beliefs and admitted she was not expecting such "extreme hate".
Saira later confirmed she'd gone to the police to report the trolls
"Due to the abuse and threats I have received. I have reported this matter to the police as it is regarded as hate crime.
"I am utterly saddened that my decision to live my life how I choose should rest to other's wanting to cause me harm. How does my life impact theirs?"
Saira captioned the post: "This cannot happen to other people. It is wrong."
She finished the post with the hashtag #bekind.
