'So why is Kirsty Wark wearing my Nan's old curtains on Newsnight?'; TV tunic sparks outrage.(Sport)

Byline: Jane Simpson

SHE is known for interrogating politicians in a formidable, no-nonsense fashion.

But Kirsty Wark has raised eyebrows by appearing onscreen in a garish tunic more suited to a Seventies episode of Top Of The Pops than Newsnight.

The BBC2 presenter broke with her tradition of never wearing patterns on the serious news show last week - and the dramatic step away from her trademark sombre attire has led to an outpouring of criticism from fans, clearly unhappy with the sight of the chocolate tabard-style tunic. The 56-year-old's appearance is now the focus of a furious online debate.

Viewers have posted messages on Twitter, questioning why the mother of two chose the top - which is actually by Milan-based designer Marni. Seconds after she appeared on screen last Monday in a debate about environmental protesters, the jibes started appearing in the form of tweets.

One asked: 'So why is Kirsty Wark wearing my Nan's old curtains on Newsnight?' Another said: 'Whoever chose that hideous dress for Kirsty Wark tonight on Newsnight, hang your head in shame.' Others included: 'I know times are hard at the BBC, but has Kirsty Wark taken a cleaning job on top of presenting Newsnight?' Another said: 'Give the 1970s back their curtains.' Others joined in and got their own internet debate going with comments such as: 'I think Kirsty Wark's working on her own plan to infiltrate the Green movement in that boho-hobo 1960s wallpaper sweater.' Yet another said: 'Sorry to be shallow, but Kirsty Wark seems to dressed as the chancel floor of a Gothic cathedral.' Speaking from her home in Glasgow, Miss Wark said: 'It is from Marni's latest range and I like it very much. I very rarely wear patterns on Newsnight but on this occasion I did and I thought it looked very cool.' Two years ago, she was at the centre of another controversy when she hosted Newsnight Review in a revealing little black dress.

Outraged by her decision to expose her bare limbs during the outside broadcast from the Cannes Film Festival, angry viewers complained in their droves.

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FASHION FAUX PAS: But Kirsty Wark said she thought she looked 'cool' in her patterned tabard