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NOT ON PAR

Sue Barker slams A Question of Sport saying show shouldn’t have celebrity guests

THERE’s little chance Sue Barker is tuning into A Question of Sport these days.

The former host has revealed in her new book she doesn’t believe celebrities should feature on the show – which could be viewed as a dig at her replacement, Paddy McGuinness.

Sue Barker has revealed in her new book she doesn’t believe celebrities should feature on A Question Of Sport
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Sue Barker has revealed in her new book she doesn’t believe celebrities should feature on A Question Of SportCredit: BBC

Sue says: “It amazes me that the BBC don’t think sports stars are big enough names to carry a show.

“This is A Question of Sport. The clue is in the title.

“It’s fundamentally a sports quiz that is family entertainment.

“It’s not light entertainment with a sports theme.”

READ MORE ON SUE BARKER

Sue went on to admit in Calling The Shots, out yesterday, she only reluctantly backed down on the inclusion of celebrity guests for Christmas specials.

But, since Paddy took over, non-sports stars including newsreader Naga Munchetty, Radio One DJ Jordan North and Strictly’s Anton Du Beke have all featured.

Since Sue left the show after 24 years following a controversial show overhaul, the ratings have fallen.

The Sun revealed earlier this month recent viewing figures slumped to 850,000, an all time low, whereas Sue, plus former captains Phil Tufnell and Matt Dawson, used to attract 4-6million.

Millions of viewers have tuned out since Paddy McGuinness took over as host with team captains Sam Quek and Ugo Monye
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Millions of viewers have tuned out since Paddy McGuinness took over as host with team captains Sam Quek and Ugo Monye
Sue, plus former captains Phil Tufnell and Matt Dawson, used to attract 4-6million viewers
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Sue, plus former captains Phil Tufnell and Matt Dawson, used to attract 4-6million viewersCredit: PA
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