The burden of being a brainy woman

Unfortunately, I didn't catch the final of University Challenge this week (I was watching Eastenders, so shoot me), but I haven't failed to miss the huge amount of attention it got thanks to the intellectual marvels of Gail Trimble. She was an amazing contestant and I'm sure this was a great week for her, but it has been sad to see how bizarrely she's been treated by the public.

Gail told The Times, “It is nice when people are saying nice things about my appearance, and not nasty things, but it’s sad that they feel it necessary to say things about my appearance at all.” Apparently, she has learned to deal with the jeers. And the offer to strip for a lad's mag. And the male commentators who have wondered what she'd be like on a date.

The sad truth is that people don't seem to be able to cope with watching clever women in the public eye unless they come Carol Vorderman-style, glossed and short-skirted. That Carol Vorderman's replacement on Countdown, in fact, is another pretty young girl says it all.

TV bosses don't seem to have a problem with allowing minging, old men on screen. But if a woman displays even the slightest physical imperfection, she comes under attack - like the children's presenter who has part of one arm missing (since when did you need all your limbs to present anyway?) and has this week faced appalling prejudice from legions of half-wit parents.

Until society accepts that we women come as we are, warts and all, girls will grow up afraid of being seen to be clever, or talented, or accomplished, for fear of being judged for their looks. Good for Gail Trimble for not allowing it to stop her. Shame on her critics.