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ITV presenter hits back at BBC legend after condescending swipe sparks row

Charlene White fired back at former BBC newsreader Jan Leeming after she criticised the Loose Women host's style of speaking, sparking a row on social media

[Charlene found fame on TV]

Charlene White has slammed criticisms at her presenting style

One of ITV's most respected journalists has hit back at criticism by one of the BBC's most iconic newsreaders. The debate sparked a row on social media, with accusations of being "disrespectful" being made.

ITV newsreader Charlene White fired back in the heated row with BBC star Jan Leeming, after she criticised her "condescending" broadcasting style. The Loose Women star said she was "surprised" at the sudden move, considering Jan had been an inspiration to her growing up.

Jan later apologised on her social media and confirmed she would be taking time away from her profile. She later admitted she should have "kept her thoughts to herself".

[LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Jan Leeming attends the hayu National Reality TV Awards at Porchester Hall on September 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for hayu)]

Jan Leeming took to her social media to hit out at Charlene's presenting style(Image: David M. Benett via Getty Images)

According to the Express, the spat initially erupted when Jan tweeted: "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 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 [Mary Nightingale]."

While fans weren't pleased with Not the Nine O'Clock News star Jan's remarks, Charlene herself hit back. Taking to her own account, she reposted the upload, adding: "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." Jan was quick to reply, writing: "I said I didn't know how good you are as a journalist but I find your delivery condescending.

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Charlene said she was surprised at the comment, saying it was "from a bygone era"(Image: Getty)

"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."

Jan insisted she was "only making a professional comment" when she was criticised by social media users, writing: "It was only an opinion and perhaps I shouldn't have voiced it. I forget that we are no longer allowed free speech in this country."

She added: "Charlene has earned her spurs as a journalist but that doesn't make her a good presenter. I am not and never was a journalist. I was a presenter/interviewer."

Jan refused to remove her remarks, but said "yes, I voiced an opinion but should not have done". She later alleged she had been subjected to "nasty invective and abuse" for her comments, which "brought her personal life into the equation".

She eventually posted: "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.

"Won't be using account for next few days. 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."

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