Former Loose Women star Carol McGiffin has described Kaye Adams as “forceful” and “opinionated” following the broadcaster’s departure from BBC Radio Scotland amid misconduct allegations. Kaye, 63, was removed from her BBC Radio Scotland show in October after facing complaints that she swore at a colleague, threw a pen, and berated an intern. In February, it was confirmed that she would not return to the BBC after some allegations were upheld and others dismissed.
Carol McGiffin’s Defence
Speaking on Best’s Suddenly Single podcast, Carol, 66, defended her former colleague. She said: “I can’t see her as a bully. She is quite forceful at times and she is very, sort of, adamant that her opinion is usually right, but I think mine is, I’m pretty sure mine is. It’s our opinion, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to opinion, you should be able to think what you like about anything. But Kaye a bully? No, I can’t actually see it.”
Kaye Adams’ Denial
In March, Kaye posted a statement on social media denying the allegations. She wrote: “I'm aware of malicious stories circulating about the reasons for my departure from BBC Scotland. I've been trying to keep a dignified silence but these attacks on my character are now so persistent, they can no longer go unchallenged. I categorically deny using a misogynistic slur 14 years ago and I'm horrified at its invention more than a decade later. It is absolutely not a word I would have used. As for 'berating an intern', this is simply untrue. Regarding the allegation that I threw a pencil while alone in an empty studio, words fail me. I am heartbroken that 15 years of hard work and dedication to BBC Scotland is being reduced to this.”
Support from Loose Women Colleagues
Carol is not the only Loose Women star to show support. Olivia Attwood, Stacey Solomon, Nadia Sawalha, Katie Piper, and Sunetra Sarker all posted supportive messages on Instagram. Nadia, an original panellist alongside Kaye, shared a picture and wrote: “Kaye Adams and I have been friends for 26 years and I can 100% vouch for her. Please read her statement. Enough is enough.” She later added: “Leave her alone. Kaye hold your head high. There are literally hundreds of people who know what a damn fine human being and professional you are.”
Stacey Solomon commented: “One of the kindest women in telly. I love you Kaye.” Jane Moore spoke about their three-decade working relationship: “I have worked with Kaye on and off for nearly 30 years and have only ever seen her be kind and supportive to junior staff. I also know that dozens of people who work/have worked with her wrote to BBC Scotland to express their support but it didn’t seem to make any difference to the outcome.” Sunetra Sarker wrote: “A remarkable, professional and kind colleague who is as fair as they come. Never one to undermine or belittle, I am truly saddened that Kaye has had to face this difficult and unnecessary situation. She has my full support. I would pick Kaye to be in my team every time.”
BBC Response
In March, the BBC told BBC News that it takes “any reports concerning our values not being upheld extremely seriously, and when required have robust processes in place to investigate.” Kaye joined Loose Women originally in 1999, remaining until 2006, and returned as a main anchor in 2013, presenting alongside Ruth Langsford, Christine Lampard, and Charlene White.
