by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Sacked television presenter Geoff Clark has thanked viewers for their support at “a low point in his life.”

Clark signed off last Thursday after his final stint as joint anchor of BBC South East Today. He was told to go six weeks earlier than expected. His fellow presenter Beverley Thompson went 24 hours earlier.

The clearout of the two popular and experienced journalists from the Tunbridge Wells studios provoked a flood of complaints from viewers angered by the BBC’s decision to replace them with the younger pairing of Rob Smith and Polly Evans. Several accused the BBC of ageism, a charge always denied by bosses.

A friend of Clark’s who did not wish to be named revealed the ebullient presenter had received hundreds of kind comments from viewers. “He said how grateful he is to them,” the friend said. “At a low point in his life, they have really been an absolute morale-booster.”

BBC chiefs Mick Rawsthorne, head of region, and Quentin Smith, programme editor, axed the pair after allegedly adverse comments by focus groups and a sample of viewers.

But critics claimed the data was “misinterpreted.” The BBC refused a Freedom of Information request to disclose the polling evidence on which they based their decision.

Mr Rawsthorne said in June: “Our audiences tell us they want to see the big news stories affecting the region and these changes reflect the more journalistic approach that viewers are asking for in today’s climate.”

Meanwhile, KentOnline has continued to receive comments from viewers, overwhelmingly supportive of Clark and Thompson, and several threatening to defect to the rival news show ITV Meridian Tonight.