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An axed television presenter has won an age discrimination case against the BBC.

Miriam O’Reilly, a former Countryfile presenter, lost her job when the show was moved to a prime-time Sunday evening slot.

But Ms O’Reilly said today she had done the “right thing” by “standing up” to the corporation.

The 53 year-old, who has been “overwhelmed” by the whole ordeal, did say though that she would like to return to work at the BBC.

Having won her case in London’s employment tribunal, she said she was “really impressed” by the BBC’s decision to apologise to her following the judgment and their announcement that it would like to talk about working with her again in the future.

TREATMENT BY AGE

Ms O’ Reilly said: “It was hard to take on the BBC because I love the BBC and I loved working there.

“I think it is one of the best broadcast organisations in the world but I felt that I was treated badly because of my age.

“Standing up to the BBC was the right thing to do, however hurtful, however stressful it has been. I would like to go back to work for the BBC.

“I took this action because I wanted to work for the BBC,” she said.

The presenter hopes her case will speed up the elimination of ageism in visual media.

AGEISM

She added: “When I was dropped from Countryfile because of my age, I felt that after over 20 years with the BBC … I deserved to be judged on my ability and not on my appearance.

“I don’t think having wrinkles is offensive, you know, we all get old, the alternative is pretty dire.

“I would like to continue working so long as I am good at my job. I do not want to be judged by how I look – I know you can’t frighten the horses, you have to look presentable – but I do not believe that youth has to be key to keeping your job.”

Three other Countryfile women presenters- Michaela Strachan, 42, Juliet Morris, 45, and Charlotte Smith, 44 – were also fired alongside O’Reilly in November 2008.

The programme later launched in April 2009 with Julia Bradbury, then 38, and former Blue Peter presenter Matt Baker, then 30.

DISCRIMINATION

The tribunal’s judgement said the BBC had subjected O’Reilly to direct age discrimination and age victimisation.

A statement issued by the BBC said the corporation apologised to O’Reilly.

It said: “The BBC is committed to fair selection in every aspect of our work and we clearly did not get it right in this case.

“We would like to acknowledge the important contribution Miriam has made to the BBC over more than 20 years and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss working with her again in the future.”

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ENDS