BBC axes long-running sports how on screen for 50 years – just 3 years after Sue Barker dropped as presenter
LEGENDARY BBC panel show A Question of Sport has been axed after more than 50 years.
Bosses say dwindling ratings and limited iPlayer appeal forced them to call time on the show, which first aired in 1970.
The Beeb insist it is not for sale and say they reserve the right to bring it back in the future.
A BBC spokesperson told The Mirror: “Due to inflation and funding challenges difficult decisions have to be made, therefore Question of Sport is currently not in production at the moment.”
For 24-years the show was hosted by former Wimbledon tennis star Sue Barker.
Famous team captains included England Ruby legend Matt Dawson, cricketer Phil Tuffnell and Scottish ex-footballer Ally McCoist.
But in September 2020, it was announced Barker, then 66, would be replaced by Paddy McGuinness.
Team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell were swapped with Team GB hockey star Sam Quek and ex-rugby international Ugo Monye.
Barker's departure was mired in controversy after she claimed she was forced to put her name to a statement which said she left on her own accord.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast last year she said she "regretted" how the corporation handled her departure, describing it as "insulting".
She said: "I would never walk away from a job I love. I don’t mind being replaced. Absolutely fine.
"That happens … I think if we look back on it we could have handled it better. I think the BBC could have handled it better."