[Crimson Dynamo]

BBC bosses have backed a television presenter who corrected the phrase
“pregnant people” to “women” while broadcasting live, in what has been
welcomed as a rejection of ridiculous gender-neutral language.

Martine Croxall, 56, was citing a study about protecting vulnerable people in
hot weather and, after reading out the report’s phrasing, immediately rolled
her eyes and changed the wording to “women”.

“Malcolm Mistry, who was involved in the research, says that the aged,
pregnant people … women … and those with pre-existing health conditions
need to take precautions,” she said.

JK Rowling was among those to support the presenter, calling Croxall “her
new favourite BBC presenter” on X, and the former Wimbledon champion
Martina Navratilova also backed her.

Croxall added: “A huge thank you to everyone who has chosen to follow me
today for whatever reason. It’s been quite a ride.”

She has gained almost 50,000 followers on the social media platform since
the incident on Sunday afternoon.

BBC bosses are also understood to have been “intensely relaxed” about the
wording amid concerns from some staff that Croxall may have faced
disciplinary action.

Times