Davis Morrissey: 'We need older women on TV'

David Morrissey has claimed that the absence of older women in mainstream TV culture is "a disgrace".

Speaking to The Stage, the actor - known for his 2008 guest role on Doctor Who - revealed that the growing trend of younger female newsreaders and reality show judges is worrying.

He said: "There never have been [enough roles for older women] and it's a disgrace. It's changing, but for every Helen Mirren there are a lot of other actresses who aren't there.

"If you look at our magazine culture you don't see a lot of women in their 40s. Look at news presenters - that needs to change first. Look at our X Factor judges. It has got to change."

However, the 44-year-old, who is the star of upcoming ITV crime thriller U Be Dead, did praise the quality scripts he had received from UK writers.

He added: "The drama I am seeing on British TV and the scripts I am receiving are really, really good. I would not like us to get too complacent about it, but I think we are in a very healthy place."