In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, former professional tennis player Sue Barker, 67, has broken her silence on the BBC’s rebranding of Question of Sport.
The changes, made by BBC bosses in 2020, saw the iconic star, along with fellow fan favourites Matt Dawson, 50, and Phil Tufnell, 57, axed and replaced.
Sue was replaced by Paddy McGuinness, 49, while Olympian Sam Quek, 34, and England and Lions rugby star Ugo Monye, 40, stepped into Matt and Phil’s roles on the panel.
The presenter revealed to Express.co.uk that she initially avoided watching the new version of the BBC show, which she had hosted for 24 years.
However, Sue said she can now “enjoy” the show, a few years after her “tough” farewell.
READ MORE: Piers Morgan slams ITV bosses after speaking with Phillip Schofield
She admitted: “I didn’t [watch the show] initially because, obviously, it was tough.
“But yeah, I’ve watched it and I see that they wanted to take it in a new direction, and that’s absolutely fine.
“You know, I still enjoy the show. I still love the people that worked on it. The team was just amazing. And the team hadn’t really changed.
“But they did want to make changes and that’s absolutely fine, I have no problem with it, it’s fine.”
Sue went on to share that there are no hard feelings between herself and the crew who are still working on the BBC programme.
She divulged that one member of A Question of Sport’s current team is even set to work alongside her, Phil, and Matt on their upcoming live sports quiz show Extra Time tour.
Sue continued: “It was always going to be different from what we did, but that’s fine.
“That’s what they wanted, and I have no problem with it. I’m still friends with all of them.
“In fact, one of them is going to be coming and helping us, so there’s no problem with that.”
After the show’s shake-up was confirmed, a BBC spokeswoman thanked the presenter for her “enormous contribution” as A Question of Sport’s longest-reigning host.
The BBC added that Sue and her fellow captains ensured the show remained a “firm favourite” with audiences.
To book tickets please go to: Extra Time with Sue, Matt & Phil Tickets | More Sport Tickets Ticketmaster UK .
You can find out more about the tour online at www.simonfielder.com and follow it on social media on twitter @simonfielderPr1
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