Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleRachel McGrathFriday 10 April 2026 15:03 BSTStrictly's Kai Widdrington admits Angela Rippon's exit 'felt right'Veteran broadcaster Angela Rippon revealed that a BBC Director-General told her to quit TV at age 50 to “make way for younger women”, a comment she labelled 'very misogynistic'.Rippon, now 81, stated that John Birt, then Director-General, made the suggestion in the early nineties after she lost several programmes.She challenged Birt by asking if he was having similar conversations with older male presenters like Terry Wogan or Michael Parkinson, noting he was not.Despite the advice, Rippon continued her career, notably becoming the oldest-ever contestant on Strictly Come Dancing at 79 in 2023.The BBC has faced numerous ageism accusations over the years, including a recent settlement with four female news presenters and other cases involving Caryn Franklin and Liz Kershaw.In fullStrictly Come Dancing star told by ex BBC boss to quit TV to ‘make way for younger women’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in