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TV Personality Janet Street-Porter Credits Elton John for Milder Demeanor
Long-time Loose Women panelist Janet Street-Porter has revealed that she was even more cantankerous at the outset of her television career. The broadcaster credits her personality shift to candid feedback from Sir Elton John, who labeled her “a nightmare”.
Elton John’s Intervention
The notoriously frank television personality, enjoying a friendship spanning over forty years with the “Rocket Man” musician, disclosed that she altered her behavior following his direct words.
“In my 40s, I was quite the complaining individual, and Elton penned a letter to me stating I was being utterly dreadful and needed to lighten up,” Street-Porter recounted. “I believe I heeded that advice. I ceased my constant negativity.”
Navigating Public Scrutiny
Speaking on Loose Women: The Podcast, the 78-year-old media veteran further commented, “Numerous individuals have since informed me I’ve overstepped boundaries or been overly critical.”
“However, I likely engage in such behavior less frequently now than in the past, which tends to foster a more positive and relaxed atmosphere for everyone.”
A Friendship Spanning Decades
Street-Porter’s acquaintance with Sir Elton, also 78, commenced when she was in her thirties. She attended his initial wedding to German sound engineer Renate Blauel in 1984 and delivered a speech at his civil partnership ceremony with David Furnish in 2005. In a display of generosity, when Street-Porter faced financial constraints during home renovations, Sir Elton dismantled his own purple kitchen and gifted it to her. More recently, he has confided in her regarding his health concerns, including vision loss in his right eye due to an infection.
Straight-Talking Style Remains
Despite Sir Elton’s counsel, the seasoned broadcaster acknowledged that her outspoken nature still “lands her in trouble on numerous occasions.”
She stated: “I find it difficult to censor myself. If something is substandard, I express it directly. However, I recognize contemporary society discourages direct criticism, advocating instead for ‘constructive criticism.’ I consider that a redundant exercise.”
Critique of Modern Sensitivity
“We currently exist in a period where excessive concern is placed on avoiding offense. It’s frankly exhausting,” Street-Porter added.
From Fashion to Television
Street-Porter’s professional journey began in the 1960s as a fashion journalist before transitioning into television. She has been a consistent panelist on the ITV daytime program since 2011. Having been married four times, she is recognized for her candid opinions. In a recent on-air disagreement, she labeled fellow panelist Denise Welch, 66, “selfish” during a debate about immigration.
Clashes and Intimidation
Street-Porter has also engaged in disagreements with Katie Price concerning cosmetic procedures, with Penny Lancaster regarding sentencing, and with Davina McCall on fitness matters. However, she admitted to experiencing anxiety prior to joining Loose Women.
“I required persuasion to join as I found the prospect of entering an established group of women who had collaborated for years rather daunting.”
The Two Janets
She also asserted that her off-screen persona deviates from her public image: “The common misunderstanding is that I am a boisterous extrovert who enjoys being the center of attention. But the reality is more nuanced. There are essentially two Janets. There’s the Janet viewers see on television, and then there’s the genuine Janet, who is reserved, hesitant to meet new individuals, cautious in forming friendships, and resistant to change.”