Ashes to Ashes star Philip Glenister has weighed in on the TV ageism row by stating that he thinks TV bosses are pandering to younger audiences by only casting older women in “dowdy” roles.

Speaking to Radio Times, Philip – who also played tough-talking DCI Hunt in Life On Mars – added that landing good roles was “much harder for actresses of a certain age”.

He added, “Often if a woman is over a certain age, drama says you have to be dowdy, which is ludicrous.

“One of the refreshing things watching David Hare’s (BBC spy drama) Page Eight was that pretty much every actress was of a certain age – brilliant actresses, with wit and wisdom.

“I would’ve thought the majority of people who watch TV drama are late 30s and over-40s, because we’re the ones who don’t go out and don’t have a life any more…

“I don’t understand why people are desperate to get kids to watch TV – don’t forget them, obviously, but don’t pander to them either.

“Don’t forget your core audience.”