GMB’s Laura Tobin smashes ‘weather girl’ stereotypes and sexism in the industry

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Good Morning Britain’s Laura Tobin has addressed some of the sexism she faces as a meteorologist on a daily basis.

The 40-year-old scientist, who has recently launched her brand-new book Every Day Ways To Save The Planet, has opened up about the prejudice she faces as a weather reporter after nine and a half years working on the popular ITV morning show.

From the age of 14, the ITV star knew that being able to determine the weather and climate was something she had a deep passion for.

But one thing she didn’t foresee was the wave of stereotypes she would have to battle throughout her career.

Fast-forward 26-years and the mum-of-one has gone on to become one of the most loved and well-respected broadcast meteorologists in the UK.

Despite her impressive career over the years, the TV personality confessed that she is still fighting these prejudiced ideas of a ‘weather girl’ on a regular basis.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Star, Laura recalled on particular moment that she argued with a guest presenter on the show who continued to belittle her intelligence on screen.

She recalled: “I remember a couple of years ago we had politician Craig Kelly, from Australia on the show, talking about the wild fires in Australia and saying that they had nothing to do with climate change.

“He was just talking garbage and so Piers [Morgan] just looked at me and he was like, ‘Right, Laura’s got something to say’ and I corrected him on those things that he was saying.”

But despite proving the politician wrong on air, the climate change sceptic went on to ignore her comments and assumed she didn’t understand what she was talking about.

Laura went on: “Later on he went, ‘Oh no, an ignorant Polly weather girl had a go at me, what does she know?’

“And he was insinuating that because I'm a ‘weather girl’ what would I know?

“He just thought I'd come on and say, ‘It’s going to rain’ and then just leave because I didn’t know what I was talking about.”

The mum-of-one added: “I just think just because you’re a woman who likes to wear a dress doesn’t mean that you can’t be a credible scientist and you can’t relay information.

“Sometimes it’s funny when I arrive on location, sometimes people will go, ‘Oh you actually know what you’re talking about. That’s great’ and I think that’s the reputation I like to have.”

Since the interview aired back in 2020, many female weather forecasters have gone on to start a movement titled #NotJustAWeatherGirl to help change the preconceived notions surrounding women in the field.

One example of a meteorologist who has captured this is American weather reporter Ginger Zee who regularly updates her millions of followers on the current weather stories in the news.

In order to grab the attention of her swarm of supporters, the brunette beauty often shares a picture of herself in a glamorous outfit alongside a serious caption discussing a breaking climate story.

It comes after Laura launched her guide to simple ways to save the planet in a helpful easy-to-digest style which can often save consumers money by following these simple steps.

From singing in the shower as a way to save water to using a compost bin for food waste, we can all do out bit to save the planet.

Reader offer: Get £3 off Laura Tobin: Everyday Ways to Save the Planet (RPR £14.99, on sale April 7) with offer code RB5. Order online at mirrorbooks.co.uk

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