A Defiant Response to Online Trolling
A BBC news presenter, Amanda Harper, has taken a bold stand against online trolls who criticized her for wearing ‘unflattering and far too tight’ leather trousers. The incident occurred when she appeared on the programme back in February, showcasing her outfit with a pair of leather trousers and a blouse.
Despite the negative comments, which included being called ‘mutton dressed as lamb’, ‘terrible’, and ‘horrid’, Amanda remained defiant. She explained that her choice was a nod to the nineties, and many fans supported her, calling her ‘gorgeous’, ‘beautiful’, and ‘fabulous’.
In response to the criticism, Amanda released a new video where she once again wore the trousers, stating that she would not let the negative comments deter her. She shared some of the hateful messages she received, but also highlighted the support from her followers.
Amanda wrote: ‘I’m delighted that lovely people outnumber the not so lovely. Thank you for the reminder. The trousers live on. In fact I might even wear them more often.’ Her message resonated with many, as followers rallied around her, expressing their support and admiration.
One follower wrote: ‘Definitely wear them often. You look fabulous.’ Another added: ‘You look incredible, and you dress to please yourself,’ while a third commented: ‘Keep wearing-it really hacks off the haters.’ Another noted: ‘You look great and confident in what you wear unfortunately some people are just jealous of beauty.’
The support continued as another fan said: ‘Every single time my mum and I see you on Look North, we say how lovely you always look, we love your outfits and style!’
A Farewell to a Weather Icon
Carol Kirkwood, a beloved weather expert on BBC Breakfast, recently waved goodbye after nearly three decades on screen. Her final forecasts were emotional, as she struggled to hold back tears during her announcement.
Carol, 63, had decided to leave the show in January, sharing the news with her co-stars Sally Nugent and Jon Kay. She admitted that while she loved her job, she wanted to spend more time with her husband, Steve Randall.
As Carol prepared to leave, her husband surprised her with a large bunch of flowers, and they shared a loving moment together. Carol spoke about their future plans, including lots of travel and spending time together.
Steve joked about the changes ahead, saying: ‘It’s going to be the best ever [having Carol at home more], and the first thing to go is the alarm clock. That can go!’
Carol’s final forecast was emotional, as she received well-wishes from her fellow BBC co-stars. Sally and Jon thanked her for providing details for a ‘few days ahead’ so they could continue to have a ‘Carol forecast’ even after her departure.
Sally began: ‘I don’t know if you know Carol, but you have changed the way weather is reported on television in lots of ways…’ Carol then listed some of the major events she had covered over the years, including the Chelsea Flower Show, Wimbledon, and Royal Ascot.
The BBC played an emotional VT from other stars sending Carol their well-wishes, including Sue Barker, Vicky McClure, Paul Merton, Zoe Ball, Clare Balding, Chris Evans, and Sir Chris Hoy. A second tribute VT featured Charlie Stayt, Louise Minchin, Sian Williams, Susanna Reid, and Dan Walker gushing over ‘lovely, kind and caring’ Carol.
Messages included telling Carol she was a ‘ray of sunshine’, ‘great friend’, and told her how she ‘brought smiles to so much of the nation’. Viewers also expressed their gratitude, with one writing: ‘We’re gong to miss Carol so much, she rarely misses Shetland in the forecast and we always appreciate that.’
Another viewer said: ‘I hope Carol enjoys her last shift at the BBC, she has been a steady presence for us in a chaotic world.’ A third added: ‘Your smile has brightened up every forecast no matter what the weather BBC Breakfast won’t be the same without you.’
Carol concluded that it hadn’t quite hit her yet that she was leaving the show, adding: ‘I’m in denial, and I expect I will rock up on Monday… It’s going to be weird, it’s going to be weird not speaking to all our lovely audience, not seeing the crew both in front and behind the camera not just on BBC Breakfast but at BBC Weather.’
