Sue Barker claims she turned down offer to return to A Question Of Sport after ‘insulting’ departure
Broadcaster hosted sports quiz show for 24 years before departing in 2021
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sue Barker has spoken out about her departure from A Question of Sport, claiming that she found the BBC’s handling of the situation “insulting”.
The popular broadcaster and former tennis player was the host of the sports trivia programme from 1997 until 2021. In September 2020, it was announced that she and team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell would be leaving the programme.
Now titled Question of Sport, the show is currently presented by Paddy McGuinness, with team captains Sam Quek and Ugo Monye.
Barker will soon release an autobiography in which she discusses her life and career, including a declaration that she wishes she’d never “gone near” Cliff Richard, whom she dated in the 1980s.
She also reveals her feelings towards her departure from the show, after being told that the broadcaster was going in an alternative direction.
“I was sent a statement that the BBC wanted me to approve immediately, saying the three of us had decided to step aside,” Barker wrote in an extract shared with Mail Online.
“They hadn’t bothered to get a quote from me. Why hadn’t they reacted to our request earlier? Why had we been shown so little respect?”
According to Barker, all three show anchors refused to sign the document, but were still expected to say they were leaving “for the good of the show”.
“I was astounded,” she wrote. “Was that because I was too old or not good enough? Either way, it was insulting. Did they actually expect me to sack myself?
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
“I told the BBC to own their decision and declare publicly that they wanted to refresh the show; I wasn’t going to lie to make it easier for them.”
Later, she claims that they then tried to keep her in her hosting role, but the handling of the situation had left her unwilling to stay.
“Unbelievably, they then offered me my job back, but as I couldn't help but feel they didn't want me anymore, I declined,” she wrote.
The BBC offered no comment when approached by The Independent.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments