Alan Titchmarsh dubbed 'sworn enemy' after controversial Jill Dando comment resurfaces

Alan Titchmarsh shares joke with Ian McNeice and then apologises

The usually popular gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh sparked outrage among fans after a remark he made that was featured in Netflix’s recent documentary about the tragic unsolved murder of BBC presenter Jill Dando.

The ITV and BBC star came under fire after a resurfaced interview clip was included in the documentary.

In the archival footage, Titchmarsh is seen interviewing Dando, who was shot outside her home in Fulham in 1999.

During the conversation, he says: “Ladies who say, ‘It’s much harder for us in broadcasting...’ And I keep thinking, ‘Absolute nonsense, I mean then if you’re a good-looking woman then it’s not difficult. It is easier.’”

Jill calmly responds: “Actually, people expect more of women that’s the trouble.”

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Alan Titchmarsh has been slammed for a comment he previously made to Jill Dando (Image: Getty)

The comment ignited a debate on gender expectations in broadcasting, and many viewers have voiced their anger on social media.

One X user tweeted: “Woah, first the comments in the Dando documentary, now this. How has Alan Titchmarsh got away with it for so long?!”

Another said: “Watching the Jill Dando thing and I didn’t realise Alan Titchmarsh was going to be my new sworn enemy.”

Although Titchmarsh was criticised, some viewers have praised Jill’s measured response, with one user commenting: “I liked how Jill responded to Alan Titchmarsh suggesting that good-looking women had it easier in TV.”

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He told the newsreader that working in broadcasting is easier for women (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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This isn’t the first time Titchmarsh has faced backlash for his views on gender in broadcasting.

In a 2013 interview with The Observer, he expressed: “Men in television tend to last a bit longer at the end of their careers, but it is women who make hay at the beginning.

“They don’t complain in their early days when they are disporting themselves on sports cars. I’d like to see a mix of all ages on TV and wish there could be less whingeing about it.”

While the Netflix documentary did stir up controversy for Titchmarsh, it also brought renewed attention to the unsolved case of Dando’s murder.

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Her brother, Nigel Dando, expressed hope that the programme might inspire someone with information to come forward.

Speaking to the Today programme, he said: “This documentary may just jog somebody’s conscience into coming forward and confessing that they were the person who pulled the trigger on the day in question... It’s a difficult thing to expect to happen.

“I have to be realistic that here we are 24 years on, whoever killed Jill is still at large. 24 years on, are they even still alive?

“My belief is that if they are alive, and they do have a conscience, that programmes like this may just prick the conscience of whoever did it.

“There are also people around who may have some knowledge of this and I would say to them it is never too late.”

Alan Titchmarsh dubbed 'sworn enemy' after controversial Jill Dando comment resurfaces

Alan Titchmarsh dubbed 'sworn enemy' after controversial Jill Dando comment resurfaces

Alan Titchmarsh dubbed 'sworn enemy' after controversial Jill Dando comment resurfaces

Alan Titchmarsh dubbed 'sworn enemy' after controversial Jill Dando comment resurfaces

Alan Titchmarsh dubbed 'sworn enemy' after controversial Jill Dando comment resurfaces