BBC denies crisis as it claims mass exodus of broadcast legends is just 'natural evolution'

However, Charlotte Moore also stressed the BBC was not pushing for Radio 2 to feel even older.

She said: “We have always has been a station of 35-plus.

“It is a station of all ages, it has always had a range of presenters from their 30s through to their 80s, and that is still very much the case.

“I don’t think we’re chasing the young. We’re absolutely trying to make sure it doesn’t get older and older.”

Moore added: “Otherwise we just won’t exist, will we?

“Change is really hard but you can’t worry about that change.

“You have to embrace it and give the next people an opportunity.

“People leave all the time. I don’t see it as an age thing.

“I think it’s a natural evolution. It’s a natural evolution of the station and of the BBC, as people decide to move on.”

BBC Radio 2 was created in 1967 and has a weekly audience of around 14.2 million.

A number of hosts have recently left the station.

Ken Bruce, 72, departed for commercial rival Greatest Hits Radio and was not allowed to work his notice.

Paul O’Grady, who died last month at the age of 67, quit his show after BBC bosses told him to share his Sunday slot with a younger presenter.

Vanessa Feltz, 61, has also left the station.

Moore addressed Bruce’s departure, saying: “We were really sad when he decided to go but he got an incredibly great offer financially.”

She continued: “I can’t compete with that.

“I know for Ken it was quite a hard, emotional thing to do but you have to move on and help him leave and wish him well.”