BBC axes long-running sports show 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.

PABBC panel show A Question of Sport has been axed after more than 50 years, Sue Barker presented the show alongside Matt Dawson (L) and Phil Tufnell (R)[/caption]

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 ex-England rugby legend Matt Dawson, former cricketer Phil Tufnell and ex-Scots footballer Ally McCoist.

But in September 2020, it was announced Barker, then 66, would be replaced as host of the show by Paddy McGuinness.

Ex-Team GB hockey star and former Morning Live presenter Sam Quek, and ex-rugby international Ugo Monye replaced captains Dawson and Tufnell.

Barker’s departure was mired in controversy after she claimed bosses forced her to put her name to a statement which said she left on her own accord, which she said was not the case.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast last year she described the corporation’s handling of her departure as “insulting”.

She added: “I would never walk away from a job I love. I don’t mind being replaced. Absolutely fine.

“They wanted to refresh the programme and that is 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.”