Sue Barker leaves BBC Sports Personality Of The Year hosting duties
Sue Barker has decided after nearly two decades to step down as one of the presenters of BBC Sports Personality Of The Year.
It is with a sad heart that we announce that Sue is no longer presenting, having been the mainstay of the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year for almost two decades. This is Sue’s decision and one that we all respect. However, fans needn’t worry – she won’t be absent from our screens on the night, bringing some special elements to the show as we look back on what has been another bumper year for UK sport. – Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport
The show, which broadcasts live on BBC One from the first direct arena in Leeds, will see Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan sharing the presenting duties as the annual event marks its 60th year.
Sue Barker has been one of the co-presenters on the gong show for the past 19 years. While Barker won’t be in front of the cameras as host she will be a member of the Sports Personality judging panel and the beeb also note she will ‘play a major role in contributing to this year’s live show’.
Sue will also remain very much a key part of our presenting team at BBC Sport, as we prepare for a busy 2014 sporting calendar. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Gabby Logan to the Sports Personality team for 2013. We’re delighted to have her on board. – Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport
Other presenting duties with BBC Sport also remain unaffected including Wimbledon and the Winter Olympics. Sue, despite Digital Spy stating it, is not leaving game show A Question of Sport.
It has been an honour to present BBC Sports Personality Of The Year for the last 19 years and I have loved every minute of it. The BBC have asked me to stay, but I had made the decision to downsize my commitments a while ago, and I knew that the time would be right after what was always set to be a magical 2012. I will still be very much involved with the show though and am looking forward to the 60th anniversary celebrations coming up this year. I also of course look forward to continuing my other presenting work on the BBC. – Sue Barker
