Report: BBC dismisses Van Outen for 'being pregnant'

Denise Van Outen has reportedly been dropped by the BBC "for being pregnant".

The 35-year-old presenter - who is six months pregnant with her first child - was reportedly amazed to be told just days before filming started on 'Over The Rainbow' that she would not be on the judging panel.

Instead, Charlotte Church - who has two children with partner Gavin Henson - will join the panel on Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest search for a theatre star.

A source close to Denise told the Mail Online: "Denise loved being part of Andrew's shows and was so excited to return.

"Her little girl is not due until May and the show starts in March, and Denise feels fit and healthy, so she thought there was no problem with her appearing on air - after all, all she has to do is sit down.

"Denise did not take it for granted that she was returning, but really hoped she would get the job.

"However, when she asked, Denise had a bit of a shock when a senior member of production told her 'You're pregnant, so of course there's no way you can do the show'. This was then repeated to her by another producer."

A BBC source insisted they had not discriminated against Denise but were looking to revamp their programmes.

A spokesperson said: "'Over The Rainbow' is a brand new show for BBC One with a completely new line-up of judges. None of the other five previous judges will be taking part.

"We expect to be revealing the new judging line up in the next few days."

'Over The Rainbow' is searching for a new performer to play Dorothy in a new production of 'The Wizard of Oz'.