Question of Sport host Sue Barker 'sad' to be axed from show after 23 years
by Patrick Hill, https://www.facebook.com/dailymirror/Sue Barker has told of her sadness at being axed from A Question of Sport after 23 years.
The former tennis player, 64, is now set to film her last show in charge at the end of this month.
She told the Mirror: “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.”
Bosses are now planning to revamp the iconic show, replacing Sue, who is paid between £195,000 and £199,999 by the Corporation, as well as team captains Matt Dawson, 47, and Phil Tufnell, 54.
The move, first revealed in yesterday's Sunday Mirror, has led to complaints by fans of the iconic programme, which is the world's longest running TV sports quiz and claims of agism.
Dawson became the longest serving captain after succeeding jockey Frankie Dettori months after winning the Rugby World Cup in 2004.
He was so thrilled to join the team he missed an England training session to record an episode and was dropped from the national squad.
He was later recalled and he then quit rugby in 2006 to focus on it full time.
Cricket star Tufnell joined the team in 2008, replacing Ally McCoist, and "the three amigos" have been permanent fixtures ever since.
Matt Dawson said on Twitter : “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 Question Of Sport immensely.”
Phil Tufnell said: “13 yrs at Question of Sport has been a great part of life .. going to miss it hugely .. thanks so much for all the lovely messages !!.”
A Question of Sport was first broadcast in 1970 and has been hosted by Barker since she took over from David Coleman in 1997.
“QS has been such a huge part of my life - from watching it with my family growing up through my tennis-playing days, and then, of course, as the presenter,” Sue said recently.