ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

A top comedian and presenter has sparked a diversity and racism row at the BBC by saying “should I be fired from my job because I am a white man?”

Jon Holmes, who has appeared on Radio 4’s Now Show for 18 years claims he was contacted by executives who told him “we’re recasting it with more women and diversity”.

But the Bafta award-winning 47 year-old comedian hit out at the corporation for his sacking, arguing for equal opportunities for all.

He tweeted: “Sad to announce I've been axed from @BBCNowShow as 'we want to recast with more women and diversity' Tsk. And I didn't even punch a producer.”

Writing for the Mail on Sunday, Mr Holmes added that the best candidates should get roles regardless of the ethnicity or gender.

He wrote in the Mail on Sunday: “Should I, as a white man (through no fault of my own), be fired from my job because I am a white man?

“What if just the best human got the job, irrespective of anything?

"Could we not all agree we're all just humans with our hopes, dreams, flaws, beliefs, differences and cultures all wrapped up in a parcel marked 'people'?

“Is that so offensive? I mean, I know it's a big ask and yes we'll have to agree to draw a line under much that has gone on before, but what if we're all just 'people', judged on merit?

“Call me crazy but what if, regardless of skin colour, or anything else, the best candidate gets the job?”

Mr Holmes added that after tweeting the news of his sacking, he had been contacted by agents and other actors about the same issue, including one presenter who was allegedly told they were perfect for the role but “too white and middle class”.

Throughout his career, Mr Holmes has won two BAFTAS, eight Gold Sony Radio Awards and two British Comedy Awards.

A BBC spokesman said: “While the Government's new charter for the BBC does set us diversity targets, we always hire presenters on merit.

“We’d like to thank both Jon Holmes for hos contribution, but our comedy shows are constantly evolving and it was simply time to create opportunities for new regulars when The Now Show returns this autumn."

He added that the decision not to renew Mr Holmes' contract was a creative one and that hiring for the new cast of the Now Show would be based on merit.