Carole Malone launched into a fierce World War II rant on Channel 5's Jeremy Vine show on Thursday, June 25, 2026, as temperatures soared across the UK. The veteran broadcaster shut down complaints about the ongoing heatwave, which saw record-breaking temperatures of 36.4°C in Yeovilton, Somerset, marking the UK's hottest June day on record.
Heatwave Records and Red Warnings
The previous record for the UK's highest June temperature was 35.6°C set in 1957 and equalled in 1976, just short of the all-time high of 40.3°C set in 2022. The Met Office extended its red weather warning for extreme heat through to Friday, marking the first time red heat warnings have remained in force for three consecutive days.
Malone's WWII Comments Spark Clash
During the lunchtime show, Malone expressed frustration with those complaining about the heat. She fumed: "We didn't win two World Wars by whinging about being a bit hot and sweaty. This country has lost the plot." Host Jeremy Vine interrupted, arguing: "Don't you think we should stop using sentences that start with, 'We didn't win two World Wars by...'" Malone snapped back: "Why? Why should I stop that? Because that showed the resilience of a population." Vine countered: "It was a great time, but we are not there now and those people are not with us anymore." Malone insisted: "But people are the same; what isn't with us is resilience." Vine pointed out: "You were not involved in the world wars, but you keep saying 'we'." Exasperated, she declared: "Well, Britain then! Britain didn't win two World Wars by whinging about a bit of sweat! I fear for what is happening to the British people."
Viewer Backlash on Social Media
Viewers quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts. One user wrote: "Carole Malone had a bizarre, angry row with Jeremy Vine over WW2 about the UK heatwave." Another added: "One minute it's about schools closing and sweaty commutes, the next it's full-on World War II veteran vs snowflake Britain." A third commented: "She's not living in a cramped, mouldy house in poor condition. Selfish people like Malone have 0% insight and genuine compassion for others' situations." Some also argued it was hypocritical for presenters to discuss the heatwave from an air-conditioned studio, with one fuming: "You're telling us to beware of extreme heat while wearing suits and ties in an air-conditioned studio."
