The BBC’s decision to park A Question of Sport after 53 years on air is down to the departure of ex-presenter Sue Barker, according to fans of the programme.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster shared in a statement this week: “Due to inflation and funding challenges difficult decisions have to be made, therefore Question of Sport is currently not in production at the moment”.
Read more: Question of Sport sees viewing figures tank since Paddy McGuinness replaced Sue Barker
Barker was allegedly sacked from her post back in 2021, with Top Gear’s Paddy McGuinness stepping in for the two subsequent series, but now, writing on social media, viewers and former guest panellists have weighed in on the sad end to a true institution of British telly.
“Question of Sport another victim of the cuts to BBC Budget along with Newsnight and the excellent Victoria Derbyshire Show and local radio and half the TV News operation,” read one reaction on X.
“It became unwatchable after they got rid of Sue Barker and put Paddy McGuinness on and changed the format”.
Suzi Perry, who covers Grand Prix motorcycle racing for TNT Sports, also submitted a pretty damning analysis.
“I see #questionofsport has been axed. It had lost all of its class, charm & chemistry since the changes. It used to be such a fabulous show and I loved being a guest. Sue Barker was the warmest and most generous host, the Captains mirrored the energy. That stuff radiates,” she wrote.
Read more: Viewers say Wimbledon ‘not the same’ without Sue Barker and ask BBC to bring her back
“Sue Barker, Phil Tufnell and the other bloke who chose the wrong sport were good whenever I saw it. Admittedly not often. Always stick with a winning team. They never, ever, learn,” added someone else.
It’s left a sour taste indeed.
Whether it’s radio or TV, the #BBC management have made multiple howling mistakes regarding presenters. BBC Radio 2 parted ways with Steve Wright and Ken Bruce – HUGE mistake. And BBC TV parted ways with Jeremy Clarkson and Sue Barker. Their successful shows have been axed.
— Honey Bee (@Imtherealanon) December 16, 2023
BBC stops production of Question of Sport. There was a time I never missed it but have hardly watched it since Sue Barker was axed and the format changed. The programme lost its warmth and just became very dull.https://t.co/3aakqYOquj
— Peter Barron (@BarronMedia) December 16, 2023
There was nothing wrong with A Question Of Sport when Sue Barker hosted with Matt and Phil. Paddy McGetAnotherGig was SO not needed and it’s proven right!
— Liam (@contactliamshaw) December 15, 2023
Watch: Sue Barker wishes her A Question of Sport departure was ‘handled better’ by BBC
