Johnny Ball, 88, accuses the BBC of ageism and claims daughter Zoe lost her Radio 2 role for being 'over 50'

Johnny Ball made the accusation while promoting his memoir at the Dorchester Literary Festival, telling the audience he "loved every minute" of his BBC career but that the corporation routinely discarded presenters once they hit 50.

The BBC had previously settled with four News presenters — Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Kasia Madera and Annita McVeigh — over an age and sex discrimination tribunal.

Johnny, who spent 17 years on Play School and fronted Think of a Number, also suggested new Strictly host Josh Widdicombe lacks the commanding presence of Bruce Forsyth.