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Newsreaders in bitter row as ITV star Charlene White accuses BBC’s Jan Leeming of ‘disrespect’

Charlene White has hit back after veteran newsreader Jan Leeming described her presenting style as ‘condescending’, sparking a bizarre social media row.

The 46-year-old is regularly seen on both Loose Women and ITV News, however, former BBC News host Jan, 84, suggested that she didn’t “hack it” on the latter, and wasn’t as good as co-star Mary Nightingale.

Taking to Twitter earlier today, she penned: “Wish ITV’s Charlene would stop addressing us as if we were children. She has such a condescending style.

“Don’t know whether or not she is a an excellent journalist but don’t think she hacks it as a newsreader. It may look an easy job but not all are as good as @nightingaleitv [sic].”

Hitting back, Charlene quoted Jan’s tweet and added: “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.”

In response, the broadcaster added: “I said I didn’t know how good you are as a journalist but I find your delivery condescending. It has nothing to do with colour.

“Actually I believe it is far easier these days for BAME people to get ahead in all walks of life. It was only an opinion and my apologies to you.”

While the ITV panellist has yet to reply, many were quick to lash out at Jan’s post, branding her most recent comments ‘brain dead’.

“Double down Jan – this is a brain dead response. Assume you don’t have PR these days,” one said, as another agreed: “Jan you haven’t been a newsreader for 30yrs or more and styles have changed making this randomly b****y comment just makes you look bitter, very nasty.”

A commenter said: “OMG, Jan. No. Should have started with that “apology” and left it there rather than bury it under some truly questionable takes. Just a guess that @CharleneWhite is much more of an expert in the experiences of Black women in the industry than you. This is really disappointing.”

As an unimpressed fan added: “Actually I believe it is far easier these days for BAME people to get ahead in all walks of life.” Looooooooooooooool? [sic].”

Charlene has been a staple of our screens for decades, and began her broadcast career at BBC, with stints at BBC News, Look East and 5Live. In 2008, she made the move to ITN and worked at ITV News and GMTV.

In April 2014, she became the first Black woman to present ITV News At Ten, and went on to become a regular on Loose Women, following Andrea McLean’s exit.

She previously spoke to the Mirror about how important it is to champion diversity in society, and particularly at work.

“I talk a lot about diversity because I believe, working in broadcasting and the media, what happens in front of the camera and behind the camera should reflect society,” she told us.

“All views matter, all opinions matter. That’s the only way the industry can survive.”

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Penny Smith was one of the familiar faces of ITV’s GMTV alongside Lorraine Kelly and Eamonn Holmes, but left the show in 2010

TV icon Penny Smith made a triumphant return to daytime telly.

The popular presenter was famous for her role on GMTV and joined as the main newsreader in April 1993 and remained on the show until June 2010.

The star – who worked alongside Eamonn Holmes, Lorraine Kelly and John Stapleton among others – was treated to clips of her best bits on her final day in the studio.

She was also reunited with Curtis Stigers, her former partner from BBC’s singing show Just The Two of Us, who serenaded her with his hit You’re All That Matters To Me.

Now, 67-year-old Penny has made a comeback on another daytime show when she landed a slot as a roving reporter on BBC’s Morning Live on Friday, May 29 – and fans were delighted to see her return.

Penny presented a special segment investigating the chaos faced by tourists caught up in the EU’s new fingerprint scanner during the show which was hosted by Gethin Jones and Michelle Ackerley, reports the Daily Mail.

Penny was out on the ground at Manchester chatting to people travelling through the airport while also meeting up with a young woman who missed her flight due to the chaos.

She then tried a number of different substances on her hands, from water to moisturiser and an alcohol wipe, to see how it impacted the results on the fingerprint scanner. All produced different results.

Penny’s return to daytime television was welcomed by viewers who took to social media to express their delight.

One said: ‘Can we please see more of Penny Smith on Morning Live?’ while another said: ‘Great to see Penny Smith back on TV’.

Penny began her career as a reporter and feature writer on the Peterborough Evening Telegraph in 1977.

Penny later helped launch Sky News in February 1989, and four years later she joined GMTV, where she stayed until 4 June 2010.

She has since hosted several radio shows, including the weekday breakfast show on BBC London, Talk Radio, and Magic Classical.

Elsewhere, she has appeared on Have I Got News for You, Just the Two of Us, and Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

Last year, she reunited with former GMTV co-star Eamonn during a short stint on GB News. At the time, Eamonn said: “I’m delighted to be working with Penny again after all these years.”

Morning Live is on BBC One weekdays at 9.30am and BBC iPlayer