'Ageism row' host may return to BBC

Back at the Beeb: Miriam O’Reilly could be in line for a new daytime presenting role having filed an ageism case against the corporation
12 April 2012

Axed Countryfile presenter Miriam O'Reilly could return as a daytime television host for the BBC.

O'Reilly, 53, who won an ageism claim against the corporation, today revealed that she has been in discussions with BBC daytime controller Liam Keelan "about a month's work in June".

She brought a case to an employment tribunal alleging age discrimination, after losing her role on BBC1's Countryfile when it switched to a prime time slot. O'Reilly won the case earlier this year.

She is about to return to screens tonight for an ITV1 investigation into ageism on screen, Too Old For TV.

Despite taking on the BBC during her costly legal battle, a return may be on the cards, but she told BBC Radio 5 Live that the daytime slot was not a done deal.

"I've had nothing definite yet - I'm still waiting to hear," she said.

She said it was difficult to know whether figures at the BBC would accept her coming back after the high-profile case which highlighted attitudes towards older presenters.

O'Reilly said she had heard personally from the director general Mark Thompson who "said he was very sorry about the way I was treated".

She claimed he told her the BBC had to change as a result of the attitudes her case had brought to light.

The BBC recently brought 63-year-old newsreader Julia Somerville back to BBC1 weekend bulletins, and O'Reilly said she felt her case had contributed.

"I certainly think my case has helped," she said.

"I think this case will help other women in broadcasting. It's a landmark case. I think it will be a turning point."

O'Reilly said she had been contacted by a number of other female BBC presenters who were worried about the impact that ageing may have on their careers, although she declined to name them.

She said the case had taken a toll on her health, and had developed an irregular heartbeat because of the stress.

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