The Sunday Times appears to have deleted the online version of its interview with Kirstie Allsopp in which she was quoted as saying she was "enraged" that young people could not afford to buy a property nowadays, encouraging people to give up things like Netflix.
In a statement on Twitter, Allsopp claimed that The Sunday Times had "reviewed" the audio recording of her interview with the paper and now agree that she "never said" what was quoted. She added that all online references to the comments were being removed.
The link to the article on the Times website now redirects to a page that states: "This article has been deleted. This article was removed on February 19, 2022."
READ MORE: Who is on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway tonight and what to expect
Extracts of the interview had sparked widespread condemnation and mockery of the 'Location, Location, Location' presenter, who added that the social media reaction to the story had been "vile".
The Sunday Times published an interview with Allsopp in its edition on Sunday, February 6 that quoted her as saying that she was "enraged" with people saying that they could not buy a home. She was further quoted as saying that young people could give up gym memberships and Netflix subscriptions to be able to afford a home.
However, Allsopp wrote in a statement on Twitter this evening (Saturday, February 19): "The Sunday Times have reviewed the tape of my interview with them and agreed that I never said I was enraged by people saying they could not afford to buy a home.
"Both the Sunday Times & Times are removing all references to this statement in their online additions [sic]."
"I would be grateful if other publications which repeated this false statement could do the same. The unaffordable nature of homes in many parts of the UK is something that has concerned me for a long time. The impact of this on society as a whole is very serious.
"The premise that I had no sympathy or empathy for those who can’t afford to buy a home was entirely false. It struck at the heart of the work I’ve done for over 22 years, and in our internet age nothing is tomorrow’s chip paper.
"I’m so grateful to Channel 4 Press, IWC Media, Raise The Roof Glasgow & Arlington Talent for their support. Some of the things said, especially on social media, have been vile. Hopefully it’s possible for everyone to draw a line under this now, let’s put our energy into something more positive."
It appears that the online article has been deleted. When Bristol Live searched for the article online and clicked on the link, it redirected to a page that reads: "THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN REMOVED. This piece was removed on February 19, 2022".
Kirstie's fans replied to her tweet, hailing the "good news" that The Times was apparently backtracking. Some questioned how it was possible that a paper like The Times could make an error, and others praised her statement.
The Times and The Sunday Times have been approached for comment on Allsopp's tweets.
READ MORE: Charlotte Church reveals her nan begged her not to go clubbing back in her partying days
ALSO READ: What is Maisie Williams up to now? Bristol actress shining with new hair
For more celebrity and entertainment news, click here
