Natalie Sawyer axed as Sky Sports decides not to renew long-serving presenter’s contract

One of Sky's best-known presenters was allowed to leave the company on Wednesday without any mention of her departure

Sky Sports have axed one of their best-known presenters after Natalie Sawyer left the broadcaster after 18 years, with her final broadcast on Sky Sports News coming on Wednesday without any farewell or fanfare whatsoever.

The 38-year-old is one of the most popular television personalities who has been at the forefront of Sky Sports News’ rolling 24-hour coverage for nearly two decades and has often fronted the Transfer Deadline Day show alongside the enthusiastic Jim White.

Having been part of Sky's revolutionary coverage that changed the way sports news is reported at the start of the century, Sawyer's departure comes as quite a shock, especially as she has not mentioned anything about leaving the broadcaster in public or on her social media accounts.

Furthermore, The Times reports that other presenters have been told not to mention Sawyer - particularly when on air - which has left many at the company disgruntled.

Sky issued a statement on Thursday to acknowledge Sawyer's departure, which read: “We’d like to thank Natalie for her many years of great service to Sky Sports and we wish her all the best in the future.”

It's reported that Sky took the decision not to renew her contract, while Sawyer is believed to be exploring new job opportunities within the same industry.

Sawyer also has a column with The Sun, with the most recent article being published on Thursday - one day after her departure - that still referred to her as 'the Sky Sports News star'.