Charlene White: Partner, Poppy Controversy, Career & Latest News

A 2020s profile of ITV newsreader and Loose Women panellist Charlene White, covering her career, the personal choice not to wear a poppy on air, her long-term relationship with Andy Akinwolere, and the loss of her father.

Full name

Charlene Denise White

Who is Charlene White?

Charlene White is a British news presenter and journalist, best known as an ITV News anchor and a panellist on Loose Women. She became the first Black woman to present a regular national ITV News bulletin in 2014.

Early life and education

White was born in London in 1980 and grew up in south London. Her father died suddenly when she was a teenager, a loss she has discussed on air. She attended the University of the Arts London, though specific qualifications are not widely published.

Professional background

• 2002: Joined BBC Radio 1 as a newsbeat journalist.
• 2008: Moved to ITN as a news correspondent and relief presenter.
• 2014: Became the first Black woman to anchor a regular ITV News bulletin.
• 2020: Joined the Loose Women panel part-time.
• Also writes columns and has authored a book on grief representation.

Poppy controversy

White has consistently refused to wear a red poppy on screen during the annual Remembrance period. She says the decision is based on broadcasting impartiality rules, not a lack of support for the armed forces.

“I don’t wear a poppy on air because I believe a news presenter should remain neutral. It’s nothing to do with disrespect.”

Charlene White, quoted in GoodtoKnow

The Independent reports that the choice has drawn repeated abuse during Remembrance season, which White has addressed publicly. She says she donates privately to the Royal British Legion.

Why does Charlene White not wear a poppy?

White has repeatedly said she refuses to wear a poppy on screen because she believes BBC and ITV newsreaders should remain neutral on political or charitable symbols. She has stated that she supports the Royal British Legion privately. The decision has attracted online abuse each November, with critics accusing her of disrespect. White has maintained that it is a personal choice that reflects her impartiality policy.

“It’s a personal choice. I don’t wear a poppy on air because I’m a journalist and impartiality is important. I do support the appeal privately.”

Charlene White, interview with GoodtoKnow (2023)

Relationship and children

White has been with her partner, television presenter Andy Akinwolere, for over a decade. The couple have two children: a son, Alfie (born 2017), and a daughter, Florence (born 2019). They live in south London. Despite some reports referring to Akinwolere as White’s “husband”, the couple are not married. A 2026 Yahoo News UK piece confirmed they remain together but unmarried.

Father’s death and personal tragedy

White’s father died unexpectedly when she was a teenager. She has described the loss on Loose Women, explaining that it shaped her resilience and empathy. She has spoken about the importance of grief support and how she channels the experience into her reporting on loss and trauma.

Career timeline

Public stance and controversy

Each November White’s decision not to wear a poppy on air resurfaced in media coverage. She has explained that she does wear a poppy off-screen but chooses not to display it while presenting to maintain editorial impartiality. The stance has drawn both support and criticism, with some questioning whether impartiality rules require such a visible symbol.

It’s a personal choice and I don’t think it should be a political statement. I support Remembrance in my own time.

Charlene White, quoted in GoodtoKnow

Career milestones

• 2002: BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat journalist.
• 2008: Moved to ITN as a news correspondent.
• 2014: First Black woman to solo-present a regular ITV News bulletin.
• 2020: Joined Loose Women as a permanent panelist.

Personal life

White has two children with her partner, the television presenter Andy Akinwolere. The family lives in south London. She rarely discusses her children in public to protect their privacy.
White’s father died suddenly when she was 14. She has said the loss influenced both her personal resilience and her professional empathy as a journalist.

Her journey from newsreader to Loose Women panellist is covered in depth in Charlene Whites full biography.

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