John Cleese has criticised the BBC's new management and said they are too hands-off and have no concept of scripting or directing real comedy.

John Cleese thinks the BBC is out of touch.

The 'Monty Python' legend has slammed the broadcasting company's new management who have never scripted or directed a comedy series, yet insist on controlling every aspect of their programmes.

Speaking at the filming of tribute programme 'Goodbye Television Centre' last night (19.03.13), in which a number of BBC stars bid farewell to the studios iconic Wood Lane building in London, John said: "The people who became executives [in the 60s and 70s] had produced or directed a great deal of comedy. Now there seems to be an executive class and they have never written and never directed."

Meanwhile, 'The Good Life' star Penelope Keith mourned the loss of the building, which is being turned into a £200 million shops and offices complex, forcing staff to relocate to Oxford Circus.

According to the Daily Telegraph newspaper, she said: "We are orphans."

The change will take effect from March 2013 and many of the famous faces in attendance - including Sir David Attenborough, Terry Wogan, Sir Michael Parkinson, Sir Bruce Forsyth and Sir David Jason - bemoaned the BBC's decision to sell the Grade II listed building.

'Mock The Week' comedian Dara O Briain explained: "The front of the building is a recognisable, trusted thing."

'Goodbye Television Centre' airs on Friday on BBC Four.