A plus-size model who was a guest on Good Morning Britain has been praised for how she handled the hosts’ ‘repulsive’ questions.

Tess Holliday 40, whose work has been featured by Vogue Italia, H&M, and Marie Claire, spoke to hosts Rob Rinder and Kate Garraway from Los Angeles.

The American model, whose real name is Ryann Hoven, has also published two books: Take Up Space, Y’all and The Not So Subtle Art of Being a Fat Girl.

During the conversation, the topic turned towards weight loss jabs and the effect that they might have on the future of plus-size models in the fashion industry.

Tess began by saying, while she doesn’t blame weight loss jabs ‘100%, I think that, collectively, our society has moved to a place where thinness in and body positivity and curvy is no longer popular for a lot of brands.

‘That’s what we’re seeing reflected on runways and magazines and in the media. My plus-size colleagues around the world – they’re not really working. It’s been really disheartening to see.’

Rob Rinder and Kate Garraway spoke to Tess Holliday recently (Picture: Good Morning Britain/ITV)
In response, host Kate said: ‘I imagine it is tough. I mean, I’ve got friends that have been taking the [weight loss] jabs and they tell me that it’s been life transforming and i can see it in their eyes.

‘They feel so positive. They have incredible body positivity because they feel in control of their body in a way they didn’t before. So, for them, this has been transformative.’

After Tess agreed that the jabs, such as those made by brands like Mounjaro or Ozempic, have been ‘amazing’ for so many people, she did caveat her statement by saying that people have abused the medication.

Tess clarified that she didn’t blame weight loss jabs (Picture: Good Morning Britain/ITV)

Tess has had work featured in Vogue Italia (Picture: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)
Co-host Rob chimed in: ‘I wonder whether it’s about the extremes. You might be aware that, in this country, there have been various ads that have been banned only this year.

‘Models have seemed too thin and, in many respects, the look that appears to be perhaps the most popular and celebrated is a kind of healthy body.’

He continued: ‘[Pop singer] Lizzo has been very open about her weight loss journey. I wonder whether you’d celebrate that rather than a plus-size body or a too-thin body, but trying to achieve a body that best represents health.’

Kate continued: ‘You obviously feel very healthy, don’t you? And celebrate your health and your shape in a way that’s very positive. [But] there will be some that argue that we have an obesity crisis in our country.

‘We have huge concerns about people being overweight and, in a sense, we have to be careful. You may be well, you are gorgeous, clearly, and healthy, but others who are your size might not be.’

The conversation continued in good faith, with Kate calling Tess ‘gorgeous’ and Tess remaining confident that she would continue to get model work, but Tess’ followers took a dislike to the questions she was asked.

Kate called Tess ‘gorgeous’ during the interview (Picture: Good Morning Britain/ITV)

An author, Tess has published two books (Picture: Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
GeneralLeiaxo commented: ‘Sorry you have to deal with hosts like this when you speak out. We love you.’

Plus-size influencer Michael Masson added: ‘Those questions – oh my god. I don’t know how you kept your face from moving while they were asking them. You would’ve known exactly what I was thinking without me saying a word.’

BlackGirlNerd112 praised Tess: ‘Tess you did a great job in a hostile media environment. She wasn’t getting it at all.’

Selflove.Diva was critical of Rob and Kate: ‘I have no idea how you kept your cool through these repulsive questions. Bravo to you.’

Tess posted on Instagram: ‘Thanks to GMB for having me on, even if they did open the segment saying I blamed [weight loss jabs] for the fall of the body positivity movement – I definitely didn’t.’

Some in the comments did defend Rob and Kate, saying that, while Tess might be comfortable staying a plus-size model, weight loss jabs should be celebrated for how they’ve changed some peoples’ lives.