Fern Britton's true feelings about Louis Walsh and his 'ageist' swipes

15 March 2024 , 13:19

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Louis has been accused of 'bullying' Fern after making comments about her age (Image: ITV)

She has been the subject of stinging comments from her Celebrity Big Brother housemate. Music mogul Louis Walsh has been criticised for his treatment of former This Morning star Fern Britton.

Louis was part of the judging panel in the house for the You're Gonna Be A Star task, while Fern was put into a girl group with Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, Zeze Millz and Lauren Simon. "I don't think she's right for the girl group... Well she's older," he said before adding: "I love the way they look. Even Fern looks good."

Louis was called out by his fellow housemates for the use of the word "even" while Fern, 66, remained polite to the former X Factor judge, 71. But what does she really think of outspoken Louis?

The music mogul's comments have not phased Fern, according to body language expert Inbaal (ITV)

Body language expert Inbaal Honigman can offer us an insight and surprisingly she feels the TV presenter isn't offended by her co-star. "Fern's body language is powerful," she said.

"At no point does she use defensive body language, she doesn't cover herself or lower her shoulders. Fern stays proud, with her back straight, looking forward. She doesn't cower away from Louis' comment. If it offends her, she doesn't show it."

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Inbaal is confident the housemates will not embark on a feud, saying they are both experienced in the entertainment world which sees stars subject to intense scrutiny and criticism. "They don't use defensive body language towards one another, which means they can take the heat and not panic if somebody has opinions about them," she said.

Louis's time on the ITV show has seen him make controversial comments about well known names, slamming singer Ronan Keating and branding Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber a "freak". Speaking to Betway, the expert says he may not realise the impact of his words when it comes to Fern.

The former X Factor judge has been outspoken about A list celebrities during his time in the house (REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother)

"Louis' body language when talking about Fern's age and saying 'even Fern' repeatedly, is not in the least jokey or unsure - in fact, his body language is calm, direct," she said. "This means that he believes his words have merit, are honest and why would anyone be offended by honesty?

"He sits in a natural pose, his face interested, eyebrows slightly raised, showing us that he's fully engaged in the conversation and not looking to cause offence."

But there is hope that the CBB star may tone down his remarks - when called out by other women in the house, Inbaal takes note of his reaction. "After being called out a few times by the other ladies, Louis does something interesting - he holds his finger over his lip," she said. "This is a body language 'shhh...' gesture - he's suddenly thinking that maybe he should be silent for a moment. So he's taking note of the criticism."

Watch Celebrity Big Brother Sunday to Friday at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

Vikki White