'Ten Years Younger' presenter Nicky Hambleton-Jones has said it felt like a slap in the face when she learnt she was being replaced by younger presenter Myleene Klass.
Hambleton-Jones questioned 30-year-old Klass's expertise for the job fronting the Channel 4 show.
In an interview with Grazia magazine, she said: "When I heard that I'd been replaced by Myleene, it was a slap in the face...
"I can't lie: being replaced by Myleene wasn't easy to swallow... it does seem to me like a classic case of replacing any woman over 35, regardless of how suitable she is for the role, with a younger face. For the first time, I felt old and past it."
Hambleton-Jones, who highlighted Carol Vorderman's recent departure from Countdown, said she now wanted to turn her attention to tackling what she saw as ageist issues.
The presenter, who described herself as a qualified dietician, continued: "I can't let it pass without comment. If 37 is considered too old for telly, where are we headed?"
She added: "Just look at Lipstick Jungle and the SATC girls. I firmly believe that the 30 to 40 something woman is where it's at."
Klass is hosting a re-formatted version of the show. 'Ten Years Younger: The Challenge' will see several new changes including less emphasis on surgery.
A Channel 4 spokeswoman said age was not an issue and Hambleton-Jones decided to leave the show.
She said: "Nicky's decision to leave '10 Years Younger' meant that the search was on for a new presenter. As a huge fan of the series and with a passion for looks and style, Myleene is an ideal replacement. She has already co-presented Channel 4's Miss Naked Beauty.
"Age played absolutely no part in the decision."
