A white, middle-aged man should not present the remake of the BBC’s Civilisation, according to a female historian who said the likes of Kenneth Clark would not be appropriate for modern viewers.

Prof Amanda Vickery, one of the BBC’s current crop of history presenters, said the new version should be gender-balanced.

The original Civilisation, broadcast in 1969, remains a landmark in factual television.

Lord Clark wrote, produced and presented the documentary series, appearing on screen immaculately dressed in suit and tie. One of the foremost art historians of his day, he guided viewers through the centuries with a script delivered in tones of received pronunciation.

However, Prof Vickery said the idea of a male presenter dispensing wisdom was outdated.