Legendary BBC Panel Show “A Question of Sport” Cancelled After Over 50 Years
The iconic BBC panel show, “A Question of Sport,” has been axed after entertaining audiences for more than 50 years. The decision to end the show was driven by declining ratings and a limited appeal on the iPlayer platform. Since its debut in 1970, the show has become a staple of British television.
Credit: PA
The BBC has clarified that the show is not up for sale and that they may consider bringing it back in the future. A spokesperson for the BBC stated, “Due to inflation and funding challenges, difficult decisions have to be made, therefore ‘Question of Sport’ is currently not in production at the moment.”
Sue Barker, the former Wimbledon tennis star, hosted the show for an impressive 24 years. The show featured famous team captains such as Matt Dawson, the ex-England rugby legend, Phil Tufnell, the former cricketer, and Ally McCoist, the ex-Scots footballer.
Change in Hosts and Captains
In September 2020, it was announced that Paddy McGuinness would replace Sue Barker as the host of the show. Additionally, Sam Quek, the ex-Team GB hockey star and Morning Live presenter, and Ugo Monye, the ex-rugby international, took over as team captains, replacing Dawson and Tufnell.
Controversy Surrounding Barker’s Departure
Sue Barker’s departure from the show was marred by controversy. She claimed that she was forced by bosses to put her name to a statement suggesting that she left on her own accord. Barker vehemently denied this claim and described the BBC’s handling of her departure as “insulting” during an interview with BBC Breakfast last year. She expressed her willingness to be replaced and acknowledged the need to refresh the program but criticized the BBC for their handling of the situation.
Declining Viewership
The re-branding of the show resulted in a significant decline in viewership, with ratings hitting a record low of 730,000 on August 19, 2021. On that same night, more viewers tuned in to watch Channel 5’s “Britain’s Poshest Farm Shops” instead.
Despite its cancellation, “A Question of Sport” will always be remembered as a beloved and long-standing fixture in British television history.