Stacey Dooley says the ‘obsession’ with her accent is ‘f***ing boring’

'You could be the juiciest peach in the bar and some f***er won’t like peaches'

Sabrina Barr
Thursday 04 April 2019 10:55 BST
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(Getty Images)

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Television presenter Stacey Dooley has expressed irritation at the constant scrutiny she faces around her Luton accent.

Dooley, who launched BBC Three documentary series Stacey Dooley Investigates in 2009, says she enjoys being surrounded by "different perspectives" at the BBC.

However, the Strictly Come Dancing winner believes the broadcaster is "particularly guilty" of lacking diversity.

"It's very middle-class, Oxbridge-educated and male-dominated," Dooley tells Cosmopolitan.

"But it's refreshing to have different perspectives. It's healthy to surround yourself with people who don't think the same as you, vote the same as you or read the same papers as you."

In 2018, Dooley was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to broadcasting.

The television presenter, who was born and grew up in Luton, Bedfordshire, has noted a particular focus on her accent throughout her decade-long television career.

Nonetheless, the host of makeup television series Glow Up believes it's important not to spend too much time dwelling on critical comments.

"You can either moan about not fitting in, or you can think, 'I'm going to work harder than everyone else and make sure these documentaries are the most watched, so people can't criticise me'," the 32-year-old says.

Dooley adds that talent isn't the be all and end all when it comes to success, as you also need to "work harder than everyone else for it".

“I have accepted that you’re never going to be everyone’s cup of tea. You could be the juiciest peach in the bar and some f***er won’t like peaches," the presenter states.

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"But you can’t value yourself on other people’s opinions so you have to let it go.”

Last month, Dooley addressed criticism after she was accused of "selling out" by taking part in Glow Up, having previously worked on several gritty documentaries.

"I’ve earned my stripes; I don’t need to prove myself to anyone," Dooley stated in response.

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