Ulrika Jonsson, 57, hits back at 'nasty and vindictive' comments on her 'ageing' appearance after makeup-free podcast: 'My face has lived quite the life!'
The television presenter and former model, 57, was trolled after appearing on Spencer Matthews ' recent Untapped Podcast which is filmed as well as recorded.
Many had commented that she looked 'over-tanned, imperfect and was ageing' in the clips which she has now said made her 'heart hurt' and 'feel awful'.
Writing in The Times this weekend she said 'nasty, vindictive and hurtful comments' flooded in as she defended her appearance.
She wrote: 'I've fought hard against the whole perception of women being solely about beauty and image. I'm a practical woman and I come with a wealth of experience, kindness and intelligence.
'The fact that I now have wrinkles, lines and jowls should be of no consequence.I know I look older.
'But then I should: I'm a menopausal mother of four whose body and face has lived quite the life.'
She added that she had showed up for the podcast recording without makeup as she had forgotten it would be filmed, and was tanned because she had been busy working in her sunny garden all summer.
Ulrika went on to explain that while she has tried both Botox and fillers in the past, now she just wants to look her age.
She also praised actress Pamela Anderson who in recent years has made several red carpet appearances without makeup.
Last week she addressed the trolling in an Instagram post.
She said in her post alongside a selfie: 'I feel I need to address something. 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.
'I wore no make-up. 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.
Ulrika previously hit back at her trolls in a lengthy statement on social media where she defended her 'over-tanned' complexion
'Most crucially tho, 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.
'There were a lot of positive comments about the WORDS I said on the podcast. But a considerable amount about my tanned appearance.
'AND how OLD I look. 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.
'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. I have uneven pigmentation doubtlessly not helped by ageing. I sometimes use filters in my pics because it's easier than foundation and less painful.
'I work tirelessly in my garden year round and often in the sun. I rarely sunbathe any more. Haven't had a sun bed for 6 months - which I do occasionally in winter months. Not ashamed.
'I have not had a holiday - of any kind - since 2018. That's 7yrs. So, I understand that an over-tanned, imperfect and AGEING face offends you. But try to listen to the words rather than constantly judge women's appearance. You might learn something. And making people feel s**t doesn't make you a hero.'
Spencer has since defended her after she was trolled.
Sharing a news article about Ulrika's appearance, he said: 'People shouldn't comment on the appearance of others. We stand with Ulrika.'
The full statement read: 'We were honoured to have Ulrika Jonsson join Untapped for a powerful, vulnerable, and deeply honest conversation about her journey to sobriety.
'Ulrika's courage in speaking openly - not just about her drinking, but also about ageing, health and self-acceptance, is exactly the kind of voice we aim to amplify on this platform. She showed up authentically and with no filter, and we're proud to stand alongside her in championing substance over surface.
'The episode is a reminder that true strength lies in honesty - not how we look, but in the actions we take, and what we choose to share.
'We're grateful to Ulrika for doing just that'.
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