Post by Teddy Bear on May 6, 2009 22:24:21 GMT
The BBC doesn't like old people: Now June Whitfield, 83, slams 'ageist Auntie'
By Paul Revoir
June Whitfield has accused BBC bosses of being ageist - amid speculation that Last Of The Summer Wine is set to be axed
June Whitfield could be considered BBC royalty, having starred in many of its best-known TV shows since her first leading role with the broadcaster in 1966.
But now she is threatening to boycott the corporation because she says its bosses are ageist and obsessed with youth.
Angered by claims that Last Of The Summer Wine is to be axed, the comedy actress warned she may turn down future offers from the BBC.
Miss Whitfield, 83, stars as Nelly in the show, which has been running for 35 years and is popular with many elderly viewers.
She said: 'I'm not sure I'll ever work for the BBC again. I know there is still an audience for Summer Wine. Older people tell me, "There's nothing on TV for us to watch", then the BBC axes shows they do watch. It makes a lot of money for the BBC. It makes no sense to axe it.
'I don't think it is down to the economy or anything like that - it is down to the BBC not knowing what they are doing, really.
'I honestly think the BBC don't like old people. They are prejudiced because they are all so young themselves.'
After many years in radio and with small TV roles, including the nurse in Tony Hancock's The Blood Donor, Miss Whitfield found fame in Beggar My Neighbour, which began in 1966, and went on to star in Happy Ever After, Terry And June, Absolutely Fabulous and several Carry On films.
Her claim that the BBC is only interested in screening 'in-your-face' shows for younger audiences came after Last Of The Summer Wine producer Alan JW Bell revealed plans to drop the show.
The BBC was forced to issue a denial after he revealed to a local newspaper that corporation chiefs had told him they would not commission another series of the Yorkshire comedy.
The broadcaster said last night no decision had been made on its future because the next series will not be screened until later this year.
The BBC was accused of ageism when long-standing newsreader Moira Stuart quit in 2007.
And after fellow newsreader Anna Ford also resigned, she accused executives of failing to represent older people, adding: 'How many presenters do you know on television who are over 60?'
By Paul Revoir
June Whitfield has accused BBC bosses of being ageist - amid speculation that Last Of The Summer Wine is set to be axed
June Whitfield could be considered BBC royalty, having starred in many of its best-known TV shows since her first leading role with the broadcaster in 1966.
But now she is threatening to boycott the corporation because she says its bosses are ageist and obsessed with youth.
Angered by claims that Last Of The Summer Wine is to be axed, the comedy actress warned she may turn down future offers from the BBC.
Miss Whitfield, 83, stars as Nelly in the show, which has been running for 35 years and is popular with many elderly viewers.
She said: 'I'm not sure I'll ever work for the BBC again. I know there is still an audience for Summer Wine. Older people tell me, "There's nothing on TV for us to watch", then the BBC axes shows they do watch. It makes a lot of money for the BBC. It makes no sense to axe it.
'I don't think it is down to the economy or anything like that - it is down to the BBC not knowing what they are doing, really.
'I honestly think the BBC don't like old people. They are prejudiced because they are all so young themselves.'
After many years in radio and with small TV roles, including the nurse in Tony Hancock's The Blood Donor, Miss Whitfield found fame in Beggar My Neighbour, which began in 1966, and went on to star in Happy Ever After, Terry And June, Absolutely Fabulous and several Carry On films.
Her claim that the BBC is only interested in screening 'in-your-face' shows for younger audiences came after Last Of The Summer Wine producer Alan JW Bell revealed plans to drop the show.
The BBC was forced to issue a denial after he revealed to a local newspaper that corporation chiefs had told him they would not commission another series of the Yorkshire comedy.
The broadcaster said last night no decision had been made on its future because the next series will not be screened until later this year.
The BBC was accused of ageism when long-standing newsreader Moira Stuart quit in 2007.
And after fellow newsreader Anna Ford also resigned, she accused executives of failing to represent older people, adding: 'How many presenters do you know on television who are over 60?'