Former BBC host Martin Hughes-Games says white, middle-class men are ‘endangered species’ on TV

Hughes-Games, who was axed from Springwatch, believes he will never work for the broadcaster again

Axed Springwatch presenter Martin Hughes-Games claims he lost his job at the BBC for being “white, middle class and old aged”.

Hughes-Games, who is 63, said: “I think the commissioner’s a bit grumpy with me, because I’m white, middle class, old aged… who wants me on their show?”

“I’m an endangered species,” he told the Radio Times. “Let’s hope that conservation efforts keep me going, rather than going extinct.”

The nature show presenter also pointed out that there are “white, middle class, old-aged presenters who are actually quite good at their jobs”.

His comments come weeks after the BBC unveiled the list of their top-paid stars, with the seven presenters at the top being white men.

Hughes-Games worked on Springwatch for 12 years before the BBC told him his services were no longer required.

He believes he will never work for the BBC again, as the broadcaster makes an effort to diversify its presenting line-up.

The presenter announced on Twitter in autumn 2016 that he had lost his job. But following complaints from fans, the BBC appeared to have a change of heart, keeping him on the programme in a revised role until 2018.