Sue Barker saddened as BBC axes A Question of Sport after 24 years

Sue Barker, the longtime host of ‘A Question of Sport,’ has spoken out after the BBC announced the cancellation of the beloved quiz show. Barker, who had hosted the program for 24 years, expressed her sadness and disappointment, stating that the show held a special place in her heart. The decision to end the show was reportedly based on dwindling ratings and limited appeal on the iPlayer platform. Barker had previously revealed feeling insulted by the way the BBC handled her exit. Despite her disappointment, she hopes that the show will one day return. During her tenure, ‘A Question of Sport’ attracted an average of four to five million viewers per episode. However, after Barker’s departure and the introduction of new hosts, viewing figures plummeted to below one million. The BBC cited funding challenges as the reason for the show’s cancellation, stating that difficult decisions had to be made due to inflation. While Barker’s departure may have been the catalyst for the decline in ratings, the decision to cancel the show ultimately rested on financial considerations. As a result, fans of the long-running program are left hoping for its eventual return.