Laura Whitmore podcast appearance was part of ‘recruitment advert’ for British Army, documents confirm

Presenter had been criticised for publicising the Army-backed podcast ‘The Locker’

A podcast which featured Laura Whitmore was established to recruit members to the British Army, new documents have revealed.

The presenter was one of a few celebrities to appear on The Locker podcast, along with former Premier League footballer Jermaine Jenas and influencer Chessie King.

Last month, Whitmore was criticised for an Instagram post promoting the episode, which included a picture of herself wearing army-style camouflage.

Recent documents released by the British Army (and obtained by The Times) in response to a Freedom of Information request reveal that the podcast was explicitly intended to recruit listeners into the armed forces.

The Locker was developed in collaboration with Capita, a consulting, digital services and software firm which has worked with the army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force for the past eight years.

The newly released show notes reveal: “Capita works hand-in-hand with the army to attract, source and select officers and soldiers (regular and reserve), to the quantity and quality that the British Army needs each year.”

“The Locker podcasts are part of the RPP’s overall marketing strategy to attract applications by using a wide range of opportunities and media channels.”

A British Army spokeswoman also revealed that the influencers and celebrities were “briefed on the background of the campaign”, and were aware that the podcast was part of an “army recruitment” initiative.

Nonetheless, Whitmore told The Times: “I’ve never been in the army nor do I have any experience and so I would never be telling people to join something I have no understanding or experience of. It’s common sense really.”

“I don’t agree with the history of the British Army and atrocities they have inflicted however I have friends and colleagues who are currently doctors and nurses there. And who are good people.”