Trinny and Susannah's 'What Not to Wear' Revival Sparks Debate Amidst 'Post-Woke' Concerns

The provocative fashion advice show "What Not to Wear," known for its hosts Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine's often harsh critiques, is reportedly in discussions for a revival.

Woodall, 62, and Constantine, 64, are in talks with producers about bringing the series back more than two decades after its initial run on the BBC from 2001 to 2005. The show, which provided contestants with a £2,000 budget for a wardrobe overhaul, garnered significant viewership, reaching up to seven million viewers at its peak. However, its return raises questions about how its famously direct approach would fare in a contemporary, "post-woke" media landscape, with even the hosts' daughters reportedly suggesting it would be canceled if aired today.

The show's original run was marked by numerous controversial moments, often stemming from the hosts' unvarnished commentary on participants' appearances and lifestyles.

One of the earliest instances of the show's controversial nature occurred in its first series when hidden cameras were used in a participant's bedroom to record her getting dressed. Woodall later expressed disbelief that such filming was approved, noting on a 2024 podcast that the husband had granted permission to secretly record his wife. "I can't believe we got away with that!" she remarked.

Trinny and Susannah were also known for their use of a 360-degree mirror, where they would critique participants' bodies while the individuals were in their underwear. They did not shy away from personal criticisms, sometimes directed at each other with remarks about "chicken arms" or a reference to Susannah's, or "flat chest" for Trinny, as well as calling guests "frumpy" or as if they had "just crawled out of bed."

In 2003, during a makeover for admin assistant Liz Traves, Susannah controversially grabbed her breasts, announcing, "Here's £2,000 - boy do you need it! Before you get your hands on the money, you've got to hand over your wardrobe, your life and these." The hosts also commented on Traves' past breast reduction surgery and labeled her a "fagger, a boozer and a slob" after viewing footage of her at a pub.

Celebrity guests also faced the duo's critiques. In 2002, Jeremy Clarkson appeared on the show, with Trinny and Susannah deeming his style that of a "market trader." Clarkson retorted by calling them "sweet bullies." He resisted their suggestions, stating he would "rather eat my own hair" than go shopping with them again.

Other notable incidents include Susannah commenting on a stranger's breasts in 2003, remarking, "Look at that woman there, my God, look at her t**s, they're down by her knees." In the same year, when critiquing Dame Sue Young of Eton College, they described her as "short and squat" and later commented on her appearance, "From the waist down, you're a flirty sexy woman, and from the waist up you're an old frump."

In 2001, a participant named Mikaela faced criticism for a pink cardigan, with Susannah feigning a "cardiac arrest." Trinny told Mikaela, "You look like an old woman trying to look young," to which Mikaela responded, "Mutton dressed as lamb?" The hosts confirmed it was "a little bit."

In 2004, a 21-year-old nurse named Sarah was told by Trinny that her dress "doesn't look like she's after commitment" and questioned if her attire made her look "a bit tarty," suggesting it might be why she hadn't found a partner.

Also in 2004, social worker Lynne, who favored football shirts, was subjected to personal questions by Trinny, including "Have you had sex?" and "Are you gay?" Lynne expressed discomfort, stating the questions were "personal."

In another 2001 episode, Reverend Julie Nicholson was told by Susannah, "Just because you wear a dog collar doesn't give you the excuse to look like a dog's dinner." The hosts criticized her "Mrs Mop" outfits and "pantomime" trousers.