Carol Vorderman voices support for journalist targeted by Laurence Fox with 'unacceptable comments'

Carol Vorderman has voiced her support for the female journalist that Laurence Fox called a "little woman" who no man "would like to climb into bed with" on GB News.

Fox has been suspended and GB News has apologised after the actor called Ava Evans – a political correspondent for online news site Joe – a "little woman" who no man "would like to climb into bed with" during an interview about freedom of speech.

TV presenter Vorderman spoke out in solidarity with Evans on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, saying: "Please know that ALL decent people are on your side. We're grateful for your voice. Do not let them bully you. I know only too well how difficult that can be. But we ARE winning. All of us together."

During an interview with Dan Wootton on GB News Fox called Evans a “little woman” and went on to say: “Show me a single self-respecting man that would like to climb into bed with that woman ever, ever, who wasn’t an incel.

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“We need powerful, strong amazing women who make great points for themselves. We don’t need these sort of feminist 4.0. They’re pathetic and embarrassing. Who’d want to s**g that?”

Fox and Wootton both laughed, and Fox added: “Sorry, it’s true though.”

Evans has commented: "Laurence Fox just did a whole speech on GB News on why men apparently won’t s**g me ? I feel physically sick."

GB News has issued a statement of apology to Evans and pledged to investigate.

It said: "Comments made tonight on GB News by Laurence Fox were totally unacceptable. What he said does not reflect our values and we apologise unreservedly for the comments and the offence they have caused. We have launched an investigation and will be apologising to the individual involved."

Tabloid journalist Wootton also said sorry on X, posting: "I want to reiterate my regret over last night’s exchange with Laurence on GB News. Having looked at the footage, I can see how inappropriate my reaction to his totally unacceptable remarks appears to be and want to be clear that I was in no way amused by the comments...

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"I apologise unreservedly for what was a very unfortunate lapse in judgement on my part under the intense pressure of a bizarre exchange. I know I should have done better."

Fox has said in a lengthy statement on X that he will never apologise, writing: "So if you are expecting a grovelling apology, I suggest you don’t hold your breath. I won’t ever apologise to the mob."

Broadcasting regulator Ofcom has confirmed it has relieved a number of complaints about Fox's offensive remarks and will announce whether it will be launching an investigation in due course.

It said in a statement: "We can confirm we've received a number of complaints about comments made by Laurence Fox on GB News last night. We are assessing these complaints against our broadcast rules and will publish the outcome as quickly as possible."

Section three of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code pertaining to hatred and abuse states "Material which contains abusive or derogatory treatment of individuals must not be included in television and radio services."

Fox, 45, is best known for playing detective James Hathaway in long-running ITV drama Lewis.

He become the centre of a media storm after voicing controversial opinions on political debate show Question Time in January 2020.

During the coronavirus pandemic he has been outspoken against lockdown restrictions and in May 2021 he stood for London Mayor, only to lose his £10,000 after getting just 1.8% of votes.

He was invited to join GB News as a presenter in October 2022.

A member of the Fox acting dynasty – his father is James Fox, his uncle is Edward Fox and his cousins are Freddie and Emilia Fox.

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He was married to actor and pop singer Billie Piper from 2007 to 2016 and they share two sons Winston, 14, and Eugene, 11.

Watch: Laurence Fox's infamous Question Time appearance