'Better if women presenters look good'

Teresa Bogan, series producer of Countryfile, recommended former Loose Women presenter Jackie Brambles fill a gap on the show because she was "pretty" and "bright".

The admission came during an employment tribunal in which former Countryfile presenter Miriam O'Reilly, 53, is suing the broadcaster for sex and age discrimination after losing her job when the show was moved to a prime-time slot.

The London hearing was told that concerns were raised about a woman presenting gap on the programme due to presenter Julia Bradbury having commitments elsewhere.

Ms Bogan had recommended in an email that Ms Brambles fill the gap because she was "pretty, bright" and had a farming connection.

Under cross examination by Heather Williams QC, representing Ms O'Reilly, Ms Bogan was asked if her bosses saw attractiveness as an important factor when choosing a new presenter.

She replied: "I think it (television) is a visual medium. If they look good on screen it's not a bad thing."

Asked again if attractiveness was a relevant factor she said: "I can't speak for my decision-makers can I?"

In a witness statement handed to the tribunal, Ms O'Reilly said she was warned "to be careful with those wrinkles when high definition comes in".

She said comments by Countryfile director Dean Jones "sent a shiver down my spine".

The BBC has denied a claim of sex and age discrimination by Ms O'Reilly.

The hearing continues on Monday.