Scott settles Five legal action

Selina Scott has presented BBC Breakfast Time and The Clothes Show

TV presenter Selina Scott has reached a settlement with TV channel Five after suing them for age discrimination.

The broadcaster has apologised for the offence it caused, while the financial terms of the settlement will remain confidential, her lawyers said.

A spokeswoman added they were unable to add any further comment.

The 57-year-old was reportedly being lined up to provide maternity cover for Five News host Natasha Kaplinsky, but was subsequently overlooked.

Five - whose bulletins are produced by Sky News - announced in June that the popular presenter would be replaced by Matt Barbet, 32, and Isla Traquair, 28.

US success

Scott shot to fame as part of BBC's Breakfast Time programme in the early 1980s, before presenting programmes including The Clothes Show.

She has also presented election coverage on Sky, as well as hosting shows in the US.

Earlier this year, Scott complained about the lack of older female presenters on television.

"How many women are there on mainstream current affairs programmes who are over 50?" she said in January.

"Anna Ford has retired, Moira Stuart has been bumped off, yet you look around and see lots of men."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version