Countryfile 'wanted pretty presenters'

A woman's "prettiness" was the first factor mentioned when the BBC was seeking a new presenter for Countryfile, a tribunal was told today.

Producer Teresa Bogan left a note for executive editor Andrew Thorman when there was an "urgent" need for a female presenter to stand in for Julia Bradbury. Ms Bogan suggested Jackie Brambles, saying she was "pretty, bright" and had links with rural affairs. Miriam O'Reilly, 53, is suing the BBC for age and sex discrimination after she was dropped from the show when it went primetime.

At London Central tribunal, Heather Williams QC, representing O'Reilly, suggested to Ms Bogan the comments indicated attractiveness was the primary concern. Ms Bogan replied: "I think it was more of a personal observation on a woman in her early forties [Brambles is now 43]. If anything I think it is an observation on telly ... we're looking for people who can do their job and if they look good on screen that is no bad thing." She added: "People on TV generally look good and it is important that it looks good.

"I don't think attractiveness is a fact of age. Jackie Brambles was in her forties and I thought she looked great, equally I think Miriam looks great." O'Reilly was one of four women presenters in their forties dropped from the show last year. The tribunal continues.