Transgender news journalist India Willoughby is guest hosting Wednesday’s instalment of Loose Women.
India, 51, who was born Jonathan, was a hit with viewers when she talked about being transgender on the show last month.
Her guest presenting stint, alongside regular panellists Ruth Langsford, Martine McCutcheon and Janet Street Porter, takes place during Transgender Awareness week.
India said: “I’m still still pinching myself to make sure it’s not a dream. Hopefully my history will bring something new to the mix.
“All the Loose Women have overcome some sort of adversity, they all carry battle scars and that’s what makes them interesting people. Mine just happened to my body throughout the journey to become my true self.”
Loose Women editor Sally Shelford said: “What makes a great Loose Women panellist is the journey they’ve taken to become the woman they are today and India is no different.
Transgender news journalist @IndiaWilloughby joins the Loose Women panel as a guest presenter today during Transgender Awareness week ❤️
— Loose Women (@loosewomen) November 16, 2016
“She is an inspiring role model for modern Britain and we can’t wait for her to join the other women for what is set to be a landmark show.”
India had a successful career as a regional newsreader but felt she was in the wrong body from a young age.
She underwent full gender reassignment surgery last year and got a job again with ITV Border in Cumbria, where she had once worked as Jonathan.
India has previously said: “Growing up there was only about 50% of me that was actually alive. It’s such a complex subject being transgender to explain. When I was young I was aware something wasn’t quite right. I was about three or four but I didn’t know it was gender.”
