Former British television presenter Sue Cook stated that she believes she would not be hired for a television role today, citing her identity as a white, middle-class woman. Cook, who hosted prominent BBC programs like "Crimewatch," "Children In Need," "Breakfast Time," and "Nationwide" in the 1980s and 1990s, expressed gratitude for having worked during a different media era.

Speaking on "The Peter Purves Podcast," the 77-year-old novelist said, "I don't think I'd be given a job now. I'm female, I'm well-spoken, you know, I'm white-skinned, middle-class. I'm all the things you shouldn't be. So I'm sure I'd never get a job now." She noted that women were less common on television during her early career, considering herself lucky to have had the opportunity.

Cook also highlighted the absence of social media during her peak broadcasting years as a significant advantage. "I think social media is so toxic," she commented, adding that even innocuous posts can attract negative responses online. "I'm so glad I was in the era I was."

Cook is best remembered as the original co-host of "Crimewatch" alongside Nick Ross from 1984 for 11 years. She was succeeded by Jill Dando, who was murdered in 1999. Cook offered her perspective on Dando's unsolved murder, disagreeing with the theory that it was related to her "Crimewatch" investigations. Instead, Cook suggested it may have been a "showcase killing" by someone aiming to impress a criminal gang.

During her tenure on "Crimewatch," Cook recalled receiving occasional poison pen letters but did not feel personally frightened. She mentioned that her neighbor expressed concern about potential threats directed at her home by mistake. However, she admitted to feeling uneasy about overtly triumphant segments that highlighted individuals being jailed, considering it potentially risky.

"Crimewatch" ran for three decades and was credited with assisting police in solving numerous cases. Notable instances include the identification of the killers of James Bulger in 1993 and the apprehension of Michael Stone for the murders of Lin and Megan Russell in 1997. By 2014, the program reported that one in three featured cases led to an arrest, and one in five resulted in convictions, having covered over 4,000 cases.