ITV's esteemed political editor, Robert Peston, has once again found himself at the centre of a social media storm, this time over his controversial fashion choices while delivering serious news coverage. During Tuesday night's ITV News broadcast, which focused on the escalating conflict in the Middle East, viewers were quick to notice that the 65-year-old broadcaster was sporting a pair of vibrant red and black Nike trainers, priced at £145, paired with bright red socks, all in stark contrast to his otherwise conventional suit.
Viewer Outrage Over 'Ridiculous' Attire
Many took to social media platform X to express their dismay, labelling his outfit as 'unprofessional' and 'ridiculous'. One user commented sharply, 'The absolute state of Robert Peston on ITV. Since when did it become acceptable to wear trainers with a suit?' Another added a pointed remark, 'Peston must be pushing 70 but he insists on wearing trainers with a suit, seriously Robert?' This incident is not an isolated one; in recent weeks, Peston has repeatedly drawn attention for his quirky sartorial decisions.
Previous Fashion Controversies
Just last month, viewers complained about a set of silver rings adorning both his hands, arguing that it undermined his credibility as a political journalist. One critic wrote on X, 'Anybody else find it difficult to listen to Robert Peston on ITV News – why are his hands now covered in rings? It looks ridiculous.' Another user humorously branded them 'knuckle dusters' and suggested they could secure him a role in Keir Starmer's government, joking, 'Judging by the number of rings that ITV News's Robert Peston is wearing, maybe he could apply to be the new chief of staff at Downing Street for Keir Starmer, as these could act as knuckle dusters.'
Adding a satirical twist, some compared his appearance to the grotesque caricatures from the puppet show Spitting Image, specifically referencing former Conservative Cabinet minister Norman Tebbit. This backlash extends beyond accessories; Peston, a father-of-three who joined ITV in 2015 after serving as Economics Editor at the BBC, has previously been accused of sporting an 'affected' style, including vibrantly coloured neck scarves. One viewer even suggested he should be 'put through a shredder', while others conceded he would never achieve status 'as a fashion icon'.
Peston's Defence of Personal Style
However, these criticisms are unlikely to faze Peston himself. The presenter has openly expressed his interest in fashion, revealing that during the 1990s, he was 'really interested in fashion' and once wore a John Paul Gaultier coat to a party conference, only for it to be stolen. A decade ago, he told the Guardian, 'The notion that what makes you a serious journalist is wearing a tie is bonkers,' highlighting his belief that professionalism should not be judged by attire alone. Despite the uproar, Peston continues to blend his distinctive personal style with his role as a trusted political commentator, sparking ongoing debates about the boundaries of on-air presentation in journalism.
