BBC legend Jan Leeming, 81, strips off in ‘brave’ swimsuit shoot

Iconic BBC presenter Jan Leeming, 81, has wowed fans by flaunting her figure in a set of new age-defying images, claiming that older women “still have a lot to give”.

Earlier this month, Martha Stewart, also 81, became the oldest model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated.

She posed for the publication’s annual swimsuit edition, and now it seems Leeming has taken a leaf out of the American businesswoman’s book.

In a new photoshoot for the Mirror, Jan was all smiles as she flaunted her physique in a black one-shoulder swimsuit.

She accessorised the ruffled costume with an elegant oversized straw hat, a pair of dainty hoop earrings and a gold bracelet on her left wrist.

Read more: Martha Stewart, 81, on ‘challenge’ being oldest ever on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover

In another picture, the former Eurovision Song Contest presenter donned an electric blue textured one-piece.

She paired the halterneck suit with a silky botanical sarong, which was tied around her waist.

The publication writes that the stunning images of Jan are “as real and honest as she is. There’s been no airbrushing”.

As well as stripping down, Jan has revealed the true reason behind the swimwear shoot.

She stated: “I’m not giving Martha Stewart a run for her money, but she can do it, and I’m doing it – for all older women who still have life in them and joie de vivre.”

“I just want to say, ‘Please don’t write us all off’. Older people are put into a bracket, they are discriminated against.”

She added: “There are loads of women my age who still have a lot to give.”

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Elsewhere the mum-of-one said that, on television, women are “judged more harshly” compared to their male counterparts.

“Women are judged more harshly, particularly with regard to our looks,” she said.

“One regularly sees TV programmes with a craggy old man partnered by a woman half his age. I don’t recall seeing the coupling the other way around.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Leeming called for better age representation on the small screen.

She said: “These days older women do have a slightly better representation on TV but only up to the age of about 50.”

Furthermore, the Pebble Mill star also admitted that she thought the shoot was “brave” of her, but believed she would be mocked by fans.

She said: “This is brave! I know I’m going to get flak, but I just want people to realise we still have a lot to offer.”

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