TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson has fiercely clapped back at online trolls who criticised her appearance, accusing her of looking “too tanned” and “too old.”
The 57-year-old media personality received a wave of negative comments following her appearance on the Untapped podcast with Spencer Matthews, where she chose to go makeup-free while speaking candidly about her sobriety journey.
Taking to Instagram to address the backlash, Ulrika wrote:
“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… I wore no make-up. Partly because I kinda forgot that a project for the ears is nowadays also a feast for the eyes.”
‘Making People Feel S*** Doesn’t Make You a Hero’
Ulrika explained her choice to skip makeup, noting that she spent years wearing heavy cosmetics for TV work and has long struggled with eczema, especially on her face. She described makeup as “agony to wear.”
“As someone who has had to wear heavy make-up on screen from 5am for years, I’m not a fan… Make-up has always been the enemy.”
But it wasn’t just the no-makeup look that got people talking. Many commenters picked apart her tan and her age — prompting a powerful response from the former Gladiators host.
“In a few weeks, I will be 58. I will never look like the fresh 21-year-old that used to greet you first thing in the morning by the weather board.”
“I’m a sun worshipper… I have uneven pigmentation doubtlessly not helped by ageing… 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’
Ulrika also revealed that she hasn’t taken a holiday since 2018 and only occasionally uses sunbeds during the winter. Despite the criticism, she remains unapologetic about embracing her natural skin and ageing process.
“You might learn something. And making people feel s** doesn’t make you a hero.”*
The message has since been praised by fans for its honesty and defiance in the face of online negativity. Ulrika continues to advocate for body acceptance and listening more to what women have to say — rather than how they look.
