Presenter Lorraine Kelly has blasted the lack of opportunities for working-class people after sharing how she was told she would "never make it" on TV due to her Glasgow accent.
The Scottish ITV star, 64, has fronted morning chat show Lorraine since 2010, and is set to receive a BAFTA Special Award at this weekend's event.
The presenter claimed it is "almost impossible" for people from working-class backgrounds to get into the TV industry.
"The high cost of living and working now makes it almost impossible for working-class kids from the rest of the country to accept a job in London," she commented.
"That has to change. There also needs to be more opportunities outside of London.
"We quite rightly have stressed the importance of diversity in recent years, but that also has to include young working-class people who understand and can relate to the vast majority of our viewers."
The presenter has shared her thoughts about her working-class background
ITV
Speaking to The Mirror, she continued: "It is in all of our interests to make sure they have the opportunity to have their voices heard."
The publication reported how Kelly revealed a TV executive had told her she wouldn't have a career on TV because of her accent.
"I was told by the boss of BBC Scotland that I would never make it in TV because of my working-class Glasgow accent," she recalled.
Kelly has been on screens for decades, working with ITV since 1988.
Kelly explained she was told she would "never make it" in TV
ITV
She was informed about her Bafta award live on Good Morning Britain in March.
The Bafta Special Award is one of the highest honours, recognising an outstanding contribution to film, games or television.
The awards will be held on Sunday and hosted by comedians Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett.
Clare Balding, Idris Elba and Sir Lenny Henry have previously won the prestigious award.
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Kelly has hosted her ITV show since 2010
ITV
Kelly has hosted her self-titled ITV show for 14 years, and the award honours her television career.
