Loose Women star addresses fan backlash over not wearing remembrance poppy

Charlene White has stirred controversy among fans for appearing on popular ITV daytime show Loose Women by not wearing a poppy.

On the Friday (November 1st) episode, Charlene joined by Nadia Sawalha, Judi Love, and Frankie Bridge, introduced the show with enthusiasm: "We've got that Friday feeling guys. Welcome to your final Loose Women of the week and we definitely have that Friday feeling."

She continued with excitement about the approaching festive season: "It's the first of November, which means we are heading a lot closer to Christmas."

However, shortly after the show began, sharp viewers noticed something missing Charlene was not wearing a poppy, unlike her fellow panellists.

On X, previously known as Twitter, quickly became ablaze with comments. A curious fan queried, "Where's your poppy Charlene? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? #LooseWomen.", reports the Mirror.

Others questioned her reasons with one saying: "So what acceptable reason has Charlene got to NOT wear a poppy like most people would." And another inquiring: "Anyone know why Charlene isn't wearing a poppy? ".

However, amidst the backlash, some viewers defended her choice, with one commenting: "The poppy police are pathetic, bet there the same people who usually harp on about free speech yet they can't handle someone not wearing a poppy #LooseWomen."

Charlene previously opened up about her decision not to don a poppy, explaining her discomfort with endorsing one charity over others.

She also revealed that the racist and sexist abuse she faces made her decision even more challenging. The TV presenter elaborated: "I support and am patron of a number of charities, and due to impartiality rules, I am not allowed to visually support them all whilst presenting news programmes. That includes things like a red ribbon for World Aids Day, or a purple band for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month."

"Both these and many more charities do great things in the UK, but I'm not allowed to give them exposure on screen. So I feel uncomfortable supporting just one charity above all others, namely The Royal British Legion, but I fully support my colleagues who do choose to wear the poppy on screen."

However, she continued to explain that she still wears a poppy when she's not on screen. "In my private life, it's very different. I wear a poppy on Armistice Day - in fact I wear one that my friend Jen's mum knitted for me a few years ago, she explained. "And I proudly have one of the ceramic poppies from the Tower Of London on my mantelpiece.

"So please don't think that I don't support the work that our service personnel do, or that I don't understand the sacrifices made by servicemen and women 100 years ago. I do."

Charlene mentioned that her dad and uncle were part of the armed forces and made it clear that she believes it's essential to fight for freedom of speech. She expressed: "I come from a Forces family. My dad served in the RAF, and my uncle served in the Army. When I first decided not to wear the poppy on screen, I spoke to both of them to make sure they were okay with it. And they both support my decision."

Charlene further added: "It is always important to remember what my family, your family, and millions of people over many generations have fought for: the right to choose, and the right of freedom of speech and expression."

Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV1 at 12.30pm