The prominent broadcaster and writer drew sharp criticism for his comments, which revived the debate about sexism and the lack of older women on our screens.

Miriam O’Reilly, the sacked Countryfile presenter who won an age discrimination case against the BBC, said Titchmarsh’s remarks made her angry, adding: “He should know better.”

Titchmarsh, a former presenter of Gardeners’ World, was in his 30s when his successful television career took off but has continued to win regular presenting roles into his 60s.

Speaking out about how broadcasters view the sexes differently, he said women received preferential treatment when they were younger.

“Men in television tend to last a bit longer at the end of their careers, but it is women who make hay at the beginning,” the 64-year-old toldThe Observer.

“They don't complain in their early days when they are disporting themselves on sports cars.

“I'd like to see a mix of all ages on TV and wish there could be less whingeing about it.”

However, Ms O’Reilly rejected his comments as another example of the sexism faced by older women working in the television industry.

She said: “What on earth is he talking about? We are not whingeing. We have to be vocal to make things change.

“We have to speak out about what is going on now in TV. I think that a lot of people are getting the message that TV treats older women unfairly, but we have to keep saying it, we have to keep pushing at the door.

“That really makes me angry to suggest that because we are speaking out about age discrimination on TV that it’s whingeing. We are protesting, we are campaigning for change.

“They have said this sort of thing since the days of the suffragettes, but he should know better.”

Ms O’Reilly, 56, lost her job on Countryfile when the programme was revamped and moved to a prime-time Sunday evening slot in 2009.

The corporation apologised after she won an employment tribunal at which former BBC One controller Jay Hunt was forced to deny claims that she axed four female presenters from the popular rural affairs show because she "hated women".

She is still working on television programmes behind the scenes, but believes she has made herself “unemployable” as a presenter by speaking out.

“I am still working as a journalist. But I am not given the opportunity to appear on screen. I can work as a producer because people are then not aware that I am involved,” she said.

A recent survey found that just one in five presenters aged over 50 on the major British television broadcasters were female.

Last month David Dimbleby, the veteran broadcaster, added his voice to criticism of television executives for not employing enough older women on screen.

"Why should age matter with women? Women mature elegantly and better than men, very often. I don't think age should be a factor for women appearing on television," he said.

“It is demeaning to women and I also think it's a crazy loss of talent."

Article from Telegraph