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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Bonnie McLaren

Ulrika Jonsson tells trolls to stop 'judging women’s appearances' after people 'offended by ageing face'

Ulrika Jonsson has told trolls to stop “judging women’s appearances”.

The presenter, 57, took to her Instagram to issue a statement, following nasty comments after appearing on Spencer Matthews’ Untapped podcast, where she spoke about being sober for a year.

While Ulrika said she received a lot of positivity, she says many of the comments criticised her appearance.

“I understand that an over-tanned, imperfect and ageing face offends you,” she wrote.

Ulrika posted a statement after appearing on Untapped (Untapped)

“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.”

Ulrika also said she opted to go make-up free for the recording “partly because I kinda forgot that a project for the ears is nowadays also a feast for the eyes”.

"But as someone who has had to wear heavy make-up on screen from 5am for years, I'm not a fan,” she added.

"Most crucially though, since childhood I've suffered from eczema. 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.”

The former Shooting Stars captain continued: “In a few weeks I will be 58. I will never look like the fresh 21yr old that used to greet you first thing in the morning by the weather board.”

Ulrika posted the message alongside this selfie (Instagram / Ulrika Jonsson) (Instagram / Ulrika Jonsson)

Ulrika also said she was “not ashamed to say that I am a sun worshipper and will no doubt pay the price for that”.

“I have uneven pigmentation doubtlessly not helped by ageing,” she added. “I sometimes use filters in my pics because it's easier than foundation and less painful.”

The presenter gave up drinking last year, and wrote an article for The Times headlined “I’m Ulrika Jonsson and I’m an alcoholic”.

Speaking on the podcast, Ulrika - who has the help of a support group - told Spencer her main aim in life was to stay sober.

“For me, now sobriety is my priority, even though I used to say ‘Oh my children are my priority’,” she shared.

“Without my sobriety, I can’t be there for my children, or something awful might happen, or whatever else.”

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