Sue Barker has expressed her regret regarding the manner in which her 24-year tenure as the host of A Question of Sport came to an end. The former professional tennis player and broadcaster, at the age of 66, criticized the BBC for their handling of her departure. During an appearance on BBC Breakfast, she indicated that the corporation wanted her to state that she was voluntarily stepping back, rather than being replaced as part of a “refresh” of the show. Barker stated that the BBC had informed her and the team that they would be making changes to revitalize the program, a decision she fully understood. However, she highlighted her disappointment with how everything unfolded and the way the BBC wanted her to present her departure as a personal choice.
Barker explains, “I would never walk away from a job I love. I have no objections to being replaced, as that is a normal part of the industry. It was simply the handling of the situation that leaves a bitter taste. Upon reflection, I believe we could have handled it better, and the BBC could have done the same. It’s a shame because I cherished my time on the show and I don’t want those last moments to define my experience. The negative publicity that followed affected many people.”
In September 2020, it was officially announced that Barker would be stepping down as the host of A Question of Sport. The BBC subsequently revealed that Paddy McGuinness would be her successor, joining the show’s team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell, who were replaced by Sam Quek and Ugo Monye.
Additionally, in July, Barker revealed her retirement from presenting Wimbledon coverage, further marking the end of an era in her career.
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