Sue Barker 'sad to say goodbye' after being axed from Question of Sport

By David Hollingsworth
( What's on TV )
published

Sue Barker A Question Of Sport host
(Image credit: BBC/Vishal Sharma)

'I love the show so much' says outgoing presenter Sue Barker

Sue Barker has declared she’s “sad to say goodbye” to A Question of Sport after being axed from the quiz show.

The 64-year-old former tennis ace has hosted the hugely popular sport series for almost a quarter of a century.

Team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell are also leaving as the Beeb looks to revamp the format.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Sue said: “I love the show so much they would have to remove me, it would have been tough for me to walk away.

“I’ve absolutely loved my 24 years fronting A Question of Sport, it’s been my dream job. But I understand the BBC want to take the show in a new direction and I’m sad to say goodbye.”

Sue Barker hosts the 50th anniversary special of A Question of Sport earlier this year. There was also a documentary about the show's history

Sue Barker hosts the 50th anniversary special of A Question of Sport earlier this year. There was also a documentary about the show's history (Image credit: BBC/James Stacks)

A BBC spokesman said: “We would like to thank Sue for her enormous contribution as the show’s longest reigning host over the last 24 years, and Matt and Phil for their excellent team captaincy.

“Together they have ensured A Question of Sport remains a firm favourite with the BBC1 audience.”

Meanwhile, former ruby star Matt tweeted: “Thanks for all the lovely messages. I’m not sure how to respond so I’ll have a think. Needless to say I will miss @QuestionofSport immensely…”

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While ex England cricketer Phil Tufnell: “13 yrs @QuestionofSport has been a great part of life… going to miss it hugely.. thanks so much for all the lovely messages”.

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Despite being on screens since 1970, the show has only ever had three hosts - David Vine, David Coleman and Sue Barker. Amazingly, the quiz has run for over 1,000 episodes. Sue Barker will continue help front tennis coverage on the BBC.

It's not been revealed yet who the new host of the quiz will be (see our TV Guide for more shows to enjoy).

David Hollingsworth
David Hollingsworth
Editor

David is the What To Watch Editor and has over 20 years of experience in television journalism. He is currently writing about the latest television and film news for What To Watch.


Before working for What To Watch, David spent many years working for TV Times magazine, interviewing some of television's most famous stars including Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland, singer Lionel Richie and wildlife legend Sir David Attenborough. 


David started out as a writer for TV Times before becoming the title's deputy features editor and then features editor. During his time on TV Times, David also helped run the annual TV Times Awards. David is a huge Death in Paradise fan, although he's still failed to solve a case before the show's detective! He also loves James Bond and controversially thinks that Timothy Dalton was an excellent 007.


Other than watching and writing about telly, David loves playing cricket, going to the cinema, trying to improve his tennis and chasing about after his kids!