Sue Barker, the former BBC Question of Sport star, has recently spoken out about her departure from the show, expressing her dissatisfaction with how the broadcaster handled the situation. During a segment on This Morning with presenters Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley, Sue, along with her former colleague Phil Tufnell, reflected on their long-standing tenure on the quiz show.
Having anchored Question of Sport for 24 years, Sue Barker shared her sentiments on the show’s conclusion, highlighting that while she understood the BBC’s decision to make changes, she was disappointed with the handling of their exits. She emphasised that despite the circumstances, they have moved on and are united once again.
Phil Tufnell echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the incredible journey they had on the programme and acknowledging that change is inevitable in such roles. Both Sue and Phil expressed gratitude for the memorable experiences and camaraderie they shared during their time on the show.
The BBC’s decision to revamp Question of Sport in 2020 resulted in the introduction of new hosts including Paddy McGuinness, Sam Quek, and Ugo Monye. Sue hinted at the broadcaster’s attempt to portray their departure as voluntary, a narrative she refuted during the conversation. Additionally, they discussed their upcoming tour, A Question of… Live, which will feature their former co-star Matt Dawson.
The live tour is expected to mirror the format of the TV show, with audience participation and familiar games like charades. Sue alluded to surprise appearances by renowned sporting personalities, promising an entertaining and interactive experience for attendees. Despite the changes, Sue Barker and her former colleagues remain optimistic about the future and look forward to engaging with fans in a new capacity.
The candid discussion on This Morning shed light on Sue Barker and Phil Tufnell’s perspective on departing from Question of Sport and offered insights into their continued collaboration in the realm of sports entertainment. The duo’s resilience and positive outlook in the face of change serve as a testament to their enduring bond and passion for the game show industry.