Television presenter Ulrika Jonsson has responded to critics of her appearance by sharing photographs of herself modelling lingerie on Instagram.
The 57-year-old posted mirror selfies wearing a mesh neon green two-piece from Swedish brand Understatement Underwear on Friday.
In a pointed message accompanying the images, she emphasised that the brand’s products were “modelled by women of all shapes and sizes. Oh, and ages.”
The former Gladiators host expressed being “completely in love” with the items whilst showcasing her toned physique.
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Her posts appeared to address recent criticism she received following a makeup-free appearance on Spencer Matthews’ Untapped podcast, where viewers commented negatively about her “ageing face” and appearance.
The backlash emerged after Jonsson discussed her journey to sobriety during the podcast recording.
She subsequently revealed receiving “nasty, vindictive and hurtful comments” about appearing “over-tanned, imperfect and ageing”, which she said made her “heart hurt” and “feel awful”.
Writing for The Times, the Swedish-born presenter defended her decision to appear without cosmetics, explaining she had forgotten the audio podcast would also be filmed.
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She noted her extensive experience wearing heavy makeup for television work from 5am throughout her career made her reluctant to use it unnecessarily.
Matthews publicly supported Jonsson following the criticism, stating: “People shouldn’t comment on the appearance of others. We stand with Ulrika.”
Jonsson detailed her lifelong battle with eczema affecting her arms, legs, eyes and lips, explaining that cosmetics had “always been the enemy because it’s been agony to wear”.
She acknowledged being a “sun worshipper” who would “no doubt pay the price for that”, whilst noting that UV lamps, salt baths and medicinal treatments had been necessary since childhood.
The presenter revealed she hadn’t taken a holiday since 2018 and rarely sunbathes anymore, though she occasionally uses sunbeds during winter months.
She admitted to having “uneven pigmentation doubtlessly not helped by ageing” and sometimes employing filters in photographs as they were “easier than foundation and less painful”.
In her Instagram post, Jonsson declared: “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.”
The mother of four expressed frustration at being reduced to her physical appearance despite possessing “a wealth of experience, kindness and intelligence”.
She stated that her “wrinkles, lines and jowls should be of no consequence” at nearly 58 years old.
Jonsson revealed she had previously tried Botox and fillers but now preferred to embrace her natural ageing process. She praised actress Pamela Anderson’s recent makeup-free red carpet appearances as inspirational.
