An old woman's hand
An old woman's hand. Sabine van Erp/Pixabay

Ulrika Jonsson, 57, has been a fixture on British television for over three decades. The Swedish‑British presenter has responded publicly to a wave of online criticism over her appearance, confronting ageist comments with candour and defiance.

In a candid Instagram post, Jonsson defended her right to age naturally and called for more compassion towards older women in the public eye. Her remarks have reignited conversation around ageism, unrealistic beauty standards, and the social pressures faced by women well into midlife.

From Weather Presenter to National TV Figure

Born Eva Ulrika Jonsson on 16 August 1967, the broadcaster will turn 58 later this year. She rose to fame as a weather presenter on TV‑am in the late 1980s before securing major roles on popular programmes including Gladiators, Shooting Stars, and The Eurovision Song Contest in 1998. She also hosted Miss World in 1999 and has since taken part in several reality shows, such as Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and Celebs Go Dating, according to IMdB.

Alongside her television work, Jonsson is a mother of four and maintains a visible public profile. Her willingness to speak openly about personal experiences, from motherhood to menopause, has kept her relevant in an evolving media landscape, ItvX reported.

Career Earnings and Public Status

Jonsson's varied media career has helped her build an estimated net worth is estimated to be around £2.2 million, OK! Magazine reports. Her income has come not only from presenting but also from modelling, writing, and reality show appearances. Despite the passage of time, she has remained in the public eye, unlike many of her contemporaries who have stepped back from the spotlight. Her continued visibility has cemented her reputation as both a pop culture icon and a relatable figure.

Responding to Social Media Scrutiny

The recent criticism began after Jonsson appeared on a podcast without make-up, prompting negative comments online. Some described her as 'over-tanned' or said she looked 'old'. In response, she revealed on Instagram that she was dealing with a flare-up of eczema that made it painful to wear cosmetics.

'If an over-tanned, imperfect and ageing face offends you... try to listen to the words rather than constantly judging women's appearance', she wrote. Jonsson added that she often avoids mirrors due to visible signs of ageing, describing her reflection as 'collapsing and diminishing'. Still, she urged followers to practise empathy and consider the impact of appearance-based criticism.

Challenging Ageism with Candid Reflection

Rather than retreating from public view, Jonsson has used the moment to raise awareness of the double standards faced by older women in social media. She has been vocal about body image, menopause, sobriety, and self-acceptance.

Her stance echoes a growing backlash against 'internet cruelty' and highlights how social media can unduly amplify ageist scrutiny, according to The Independent. She is now being praised for showing how to handle public shaming with both honesty and dignity.

As the conversation around ageism continues, Jonsson's stance encourages a broader rethink of how women are viewed as they grow older and how they choose to represent themselves in the spotlight.