'I was dropped from Countryfile because I have an inaccessible accent'

TV star Ben Fogle once claimed that he was dropped from Countryfile due to his posh accent. The presenter, 51, shot to fame 25 years ago on reality programme Castaway before securing a role on the BBC favourite in 2001. He remained with the programme for eight years before departing in 2009, the same year that his colleague Miriam O'Reilly exited the programme.

Miriam alleged she had been unjustly let go when the programme switched from a daytime to an evening time slot in 2009. She took the BBC to an employment tribunal on grounds of ageism and won the case. Ben later told the Express that he was dropped from the programme because of his "accent", alleging that he had been informed it was "inaccessible".

"When Miriam was dropped from Countryfile she said it was to do with age," the privately-educated presenter stated.

"I was working with her and dropped from the show at the same time and was told it was because of my accent."

He continued: "I don't want to name names but I was told by someone [on the show] that my accent was inaccessible."

However, Ben went on to make a comeback on Countryfile, returning to the show. He was a part of the programme between 2014 and 2015 before returning again in 2017 and 2018.

He has since gained recognition for his Channel 5 programme, New Lives in the Wild, which follows him as he visits individuals who have opted to live more remotely and off the grid.

Ben has also previously voiced his opinions when other celebrities have discussed the influence of accents on securing television roles. In 2018, he tweeted that he was once advised to alter his speech.

"Interesting to hear Steph McGovern and James Martin claiming they lost work due to their regional accents," the television personality remarked.

"The same happens with posh accents. I was told to get de-elocution classes by one producer to become more regional."

The BBC has been contacted for a response.

Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild airs at 11.10am on Channel 5 on Saturday October 25.