Television newsreader Selina Scott has begun legal action against broadcaster Channel 5 claiming she had her contract cancelled because she was too old, reports the Sunday Mirror.

Scott, 57, was asked to do maternity cover for Natasha Kaplinsky, 35, when she goes on maternity leave in a few weeks, but claims that she was axed by a C5 chief who wanted a younger face, and went on to replace her with Isla Traquair, 28, and Matt Barbel, 32.

Scott is taking the channel to an employment tribunal claiming age discrimination.