BBC Breakfast presenter Nina Warhurst has addressed viewer concerns over her appearance during a recent broadcast, explaining she had a 'tough week' covering distressing news and that a swollen eye required a break from makeup.
Concerns over asymmetrical makeup
The 45-year-old anchor, who also fronts BBC News at One, appeared on screen with visible swelling on her left eye, which was makeup-free while the other eye wore heavy makeup. Viewers took to social media to express concern. One user on X wrote: 'Has newsreader only got makeup on one eye or is it me?' Another added: 'I noticed that too. I thought maybe eye infection, but then you wouldn't wear such heavy makeup on the other eye.' A third commented: 'Has she got a stye? You'd think the makeup team would just leave the good eye to match.'
Nina's explanation on Instagram
Taking to Instagram, Warhurst shared an update with her 53,000 followers. She posted a photo outside work showing her eye looking painful and swollen, with a smile, and wrote: 'Thanks for the concerned msgs about my asymmetrical mush. I'm in no pain or discomfort, and my lovely pharmacist is helping – left eye just needs a few days off makeup.'
The emotional toll of reporting
In a separate post, Warhurst opened up about the emotional impact of recent stories. 'It's been a difficult week at work,' she said. 'The stories affecting children have weighed heavy on all of us in the office. I'm having a gentle day with my little one, and we will go and say a prayer later for the ones who didn't get the start in life that every single child deserves.'
She added: 'Weeks like this, I am proud of the teams at the BBC for listening to the unlistenable in court, allowing families' broken hearts to be seen, and their voices to be heard. Our journalists work hard to get it right, and inevitably sometimes it comes home. Children who suffer should never be forgotten.'
Reactions and support
Fellow broadcaster Stacey Dooley commented: 'I can't even get past the first paragraphs without crying. It's incomprehensible. Sending love.' A fan wrote: 'I feel so sad for that poor little fella, it really breaks my heart. Stories like this must really play on your mind. Please make sure you take care of yourself, Nina.' Another added: 'I totally agree with what you've said. I felt heartbroken for that poor little boy. I also felt for the reporter who sat in court hearing the most appalling details which he couldn’t repeat. I have total admiration for him. You have some amazing reporters.' A third said: 'Well done for delivering such harrowing news with professionalism. I'm sure I’d have stood there and cried.'
Context of the distressing story
The tough week was linked to coverage of the murder of toddler Preston Davey. Jamie Varley, 37, who murdered Preston and claimed he had accidentally drowned in the bath, was handed a whole life order for murder, child cruelty, sexual offences and indecent images. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerly, 32, was subsequently jailed for 25 years.
