Gabby Logan has recounted a tough warning from her early days in television while discussing the presence of mature women on TV.
Known for presenting major events like the World Cup and Olympics, Gabby started her career at Sky Sports in the 1990s.
It was during her two-year tenure there that she received stark advice from her manager about her career longevity.
On her Mid-Point podcast with Strictly’s Shirley Ballas, 64, Gabby shared that her then-boss told her she “had until she was 28” to be on-screen, she added, reports Leeds Live.
Now 51, she reflected: “He gave me until the end of my twenties and I would be off telly. I’m 51 now and I feel like we’ve come a long way in that respect.”
While acknowledging past barriers for older women in broadcasting, Gabby pointed out icons like 89 year old Mary Berry, indicating progress. “It’s a very different place for women now and it’s important that women like you [Shirley] are there because you represent the audience as well.”
Gabby concluded with a call for diversity in age on television: “It would be a bizarre place if everyone was under 30 on television.”
Shirley Ballas, who succeeded Len Goodman as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, shared: “Well I can honestly say that for however long I get on Strictly, from 57 I’ve been on it eight years now, whatever time is left or when the time comes that they feel they need to replace me, I have had the time of my life.”
The show has previously faced controversy over ageism following the replacement of former judge Arlene Philips with Alesha Dixon in 2009. This prompted then Equalities Minister Harriet Harman to address the matter in Parliament, stating: “I think it’s absolutely shocking that Arlene Phillips is not going to be a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. As Equalities Minister, I am suspicious that there is age discrimination there.”
At the time, the BBC responded to the allegations, with a spokesperson telling The Telegraph: “Harriet Harman is entitled to her view and it is great to know she’s a fan of the show. Age had absolutely nothing to do with the decision to replace Arlene Phillips. The BBC employs numerous mature presenters across the schedule.”
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