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FUR-BIDDEN

No fur, leather or patterned tights: Shocking leaked email reveals what female BBC newsreaders must NEVER wear

The memo from Beeb editor Sam Smith also advises against beyond shoulder length hair and wearing items from M&S brand Per Una

A SHOCKING leaked email has revealed the items of clothing that female BBC presenters should never wear when reading the news.

Leather, fur and PVC are strictly ill-advised, while items from M&S's Per Una range should also be avoided.

Steph McGovern's leather top doesn't meet the standards set out in the leaked memo
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Steph McGovern's leather top doesn't meet the standards set out in the leaked memoCredit: BBC

The list of dos and don'ts was sent by Sam Smith, editor of BBC's Inside Out South West current affairs show, who admitted it contained a "minefield of politically correct pitfalls".

She explained: "The below is my view based on long experiences of getting it wrong and very occasionally right both reporting and presenting... this is a starting point for a conversation so pitch in with your own thoughts.

"This is a minefield of PC pitfalls."

The list of dos and don'ts was sent by Sam Smith, editor of BBC's Inside Out South West current affairs show
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The list of dos and don'ts was sent by Sam Smith, editor of BBC's Inside Out South West current affairs showCredit: BBC

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According to Sam, the basic must-have wardrobe item for women newsreaders is a "smart jacket", reports .

She said: "You need at least one black (one) for sombre stories."

The memo also praises block colour clothes, well-fitted suits, simple make-up, ankle-length trousers and smart knee or ankle-length boots.

Fiona Bruce is bang on the money with this fitted, block coloured, smart suit jacket
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Fiona Bruce is bang on the money with this fitted, block coloured, smart suit jacketCredit: BBC
Fiona would, however, come under fire for these trainers she wore in 2016 - unless she broke out into a run mid-report
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Fiona would, however, come under fire for these trainers she wore in 2016 - unless she broke out into a run mid-reportCredit: BBC

When it comes to skirts, Sam said they should reach to "somewhere around the knees", adding: "Controversial, maybe – but I honestly believe anywhere else is distracting".

Sam also encourages staff to "up our game" when it comes to style.

Certain items of clothing are only ever acceptable for stories about the great outdoors, such as jeans, wellies and waterproofs.

And staff are advised never to wear leather and mock-leather, fur, PVC, flip-flops, jeans, chinos, patterned clothes, jewellery, sunglasses, trainers – unless the story involves running - shorts, sandals, logos, elaborate make-up and boldly coloured or patterned tights.

The memo recommends shoulder length hair and natural make-up, as sported by BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent
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The memo recommends shoulder length hair and natural make-up, as sported by BBC Breakfast presenter Sally NugentCredit: BBC

DOS

Block colour clothes

Well-fitted suits

Knee-length skirts

Smart jackets

Black clothes for sombre stories

Ankle-length trousers

Smart knee or ankle-high boots

Simple make-up

Shoulder length hair (for women)

For stories about the countryside: Jeans, wellington boots and waterproofs are acceptable


DON'TS

Marks and Spencer's: Per Una

Patterned clothes

Jewellery

Sunglasses

Trainers – unless the story involves running

Leather or mock-leather

Fur

PVC

Flip-flops – unless worn on a beach

Jeans

Chinos

Shorts

Sandals

Logos

Elaborate make-up

Boldly coloured or patterned tights

Marks and Spencer came in for a hammering as Sam warned: "No cardies. Even the very nicest ones in real life look too casual on TV. Avoid Per Una."

When it comes to hair, a shoulder length style is recommended for female newsreaders.

Sam explained: "I wore mine below shoulder length for years. It was a nightmare and required a ridiculous level of attention.

"Shoulder length and above is easier to cope with."

The Sun Online reached out to the BBC for comment.

Steph McGovern adheres to the informal code of conduct with this knee-length skirt
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Steph McGovern adheres to the informal code of conduct with this knee-length skirtCredit: BBC

A spokesperson for the organisation said: "This informal advice was shared with a small number who appear on-screen about what does and doesn’t work on camera or under TV lighting."

Beeb presenter Louise Minchin recently received stick online for a bold block colour top that .

Last year we told how weather woman Carol Kirkwood sent temperatures soaring in a tight lilac dress on BBC Breakfast.

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