BBC's Mariella Frostrup, 61, reveals outrage over ordeal that left her on train floor

TV presenter and journalist Mariella Frostrup has shared her unpleasant experience on a Great Western Railway (GWR) train journey after a holiday in Devon.

Mariella worked for Channel 4 in the 1980s and has since presented for ITV and the BBC, plus has appeared on the likes of Have I Got News for You and even popped up in Absolutely Fabulous.

Despite having a first class ticket, Mariella was forced to sit on the floor outside the loo during the two-hour journey from Tiverton Parkway to Paddington.

The 61-year-old TV star was returning to London after a wellness retreat and had splashed out on a first class ticket. However, she found herself without a seat for the journey and took to social media to share her ordeal.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, she vented: "New lows for @GWRHelp A first class advance ticket buys you a seat on floor outside the toilet in a train where it's standing room from front to rear... I'm getting back in my car!"

Despite having a first class ticket booked in advance, Mariella found herself without a seat. An hour and half into her journey, she posted another snap of herself working on the floor.

Sharing a picture of her laptop resting on her bag and kneeling on a newspaper, Mariella wrote: "Is photo proof @gwrhelp that I've just sat on the floor from Tiverton Parkway to Paddington DESPITE holding a first class ticket?" reports Devon Live.

"I've just been told (after queuing at your Padd tix office for 15 mins) that I need to write and request compensation! Could you make it any harder?"

The comments section under Mariella's posts was awash with public outcry. One disgruntled user pointed out: "When you travel by coach or plane you get allocated a seat. For short urban journeys it's fine not to get allocated a seat. For longer intercity journeys it's one of the scandals and cons about the modern British Railway that you pay a premium and aren't even guaranteed a seat."

Another chimed in saying: "The compensation should be automatic. They know the info and should be expected to pay".

A third vented frustration over transport costs, observing: "Probably cheaper to drive, fuel and park than the cost of the ticket."

In response to the furore, a spokesperson for Great Western Railway stated: "We are really sorry to hear of the customer's experience. If you have reserved a seat but are not able to sit down, you are entitled to compensation and we will follow this up."

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