Jan Leeming has removed herself from social media after she took a public swipe at ITV News presenter Charlene White, criticising the way she addresses viewers.
The 84-year-old former BBC newsreader, who appeared on I’m A Celeb in 2006, shared her verdict on X, where she claimed Charlene’s presenting style could feel condescending.
Jan wrote: “Wish ITV’s Charlene would stop addressing us as if we were children. She has such a condescending style.”
She went on to question Charlene’s strengths as a newsreader, while acknowledging that she did not know enough to judge her journalism.
“Don’t know whether or not she is an excellent journalist but don’t think she hacks it as a newsreader,” Jan said. “It may look an easy job but not all are as good as Mary Nightingale.”
Jan Leeming compares Charlene White to other ITV presenters
Jan also set out what she believes makes an effective newsreader, writing: “One conveys emotion by tone of voice NOT by heavily stressing lots of words.”
She named Mary Nightingale as one presenter she rates and also praised another of Charlene’s ITV News colleagues.
Jan added: “I also like Lucrezia Millarini. They both dress appropriately.”
When another X user pointed out that Charlene also presents Loose Women, Jan replied: “Never watched it.”
Charlene, 46, has presented ITV News since 2008. She has also appeared as a guest host on Loose Women since 2020.
Jan’s BBC career ran from 1969 until 1987 and included a spell as a newsreader from 1980. She later appeared on reality programmes including I’m A Celebrity.
Charlene White responds
Following Jan’s unexpected swipe, Charlene took to the same platform hours later, responding.
“Very surprising to see a presenter I admired as a kid deciding to slate me on social media. In an industry where women, especially black women, have had to work incredibly hard to get ahead, this type of disrespect from a fellow female journo feels like s’thing from a bygone era,” she wrote.
After Charlene had her say, Jan received a wave of responses. Some were on her side while others disagreed.
Defending herself, Jan wrote: “I made a comment -should have kept my thoughts to myself. I’ve now been on receiving end of far more nastiness and personal abuse than was warranted by making a comment on style. To bring my personal life into the equation was below the belt.”
As a result, Jan announced she was leaving social media for the time being.
“Won’t be using account for next few days,” she stated. “Was unwise to make a comment about style but don’t believe it warranted vile abuse. Believe me I received far worse criticism and nastiness from, mostly female, journalists in my heyday.”
Jan’s previous complaints about modern newsreading
The broadcaster has previously used social media to criticise the delivery of current newsreaders more generally.
In earlier posts, she complained about unclear speech and the pronunciation of words including “grievous”, “mischievous”, “February” and “jewellery”. She argued that national newsreaders should speak with clarity and use correct pronunciation.
Jan has also voiced strong opinions on subjects outside broadcasting. In a post about a birthday lunch at The Pig in Bridge, Kent, she said the experience had been disturbed by a screaming child and criticised parents for bringing young children to more expensive restaurants.
She later insisted parents who could afford to eat at such venues should arrange a babysitter.
Read more: Heartbroken Charlene White reveals her dad has taken his own life
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