Strictly's Angela Rippon, 79, claims former BBC boss tried to make her resign ... trends now
Angela Rippon has claimed the BBC tried to make her quit aged 50 after being told she'd 'had her day'.
The presenter, 79, who most recently took part in this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing, branded former BBC Director General John Birt 'ageist and sexist' in a blistering attack.
Angela recalled how the BBC boss had urged her to resign as she appeared on stage to collect TRIC's Outstanding Achievement Award at the Londoner Hotel on Tuesday.
During her acceptance speech she told the audience: 'It's actually now 57 years since I've started doing broadcasting.
'When I was 50, I had a conversation with the then director general of the BBC, who was called John Birt, who said I was having a bit of a problem with something at the BBC.
Angela Rippon has claimed the BBC tried to make her quit aged 50 after being told she'd 'had her day'
The presenter, 79, who most recently took part in this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing , blasted former BBC Director General John Birt as 'ageist and sexist'
'He said to me, "Angela, you have to recognise now that you're 50, you've had your day and it's time to make way for the younger women coming up behind you."
'So he managed to be a misogynist and an ageist in one statement, which I thought was quite a trick, and the thing is, John Birt, you said I've had my day, [but] what I've actually had right up until now, is the time of my life.'
Angela began Rippon began her television career at BBC South West in Plymouth in 1966, when she was 21, before becoming a reporter for BBC TV news.
She first presented a national news programme on BBC2 in 1974.
Angela went on to tell the audience she has a job she 'absolutely adores' and is 'extremely proud' of the women who are now reading national news as she felt 'like a novelty' when she first started out.
'When he said I had to make my way for younger women coming up behind me, I have to say one of the great
