QUIZ ON
BBC planning Have I Got News For You spin-off series to replace legendary axed show after huge outcry from fans
And it’s coming to screens very soon
THE BBC is planning a new sports quiz show based on the popular series Have I Got News For You.
This spin-off is set to take the place of A Question of Sport, which was axed by the broadcaster last year.
The BBC’s decision to cancel A Question of Sport was met with a huge outcry from fans, but they did not choose to revive the series. Instead, a new show is in development.
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A Question of Sport’s replacement series is titled Have I Got Sport For You — an obvious play on Have I Got News For You — and is slated to premiere later this year.
It is also believed to have high profile comedic and sporting talent attached in keeping with the style of the long-running panel show, which stars Ian Hislop and Paul Merton as team captains, alongside a rotating slate of presenters.
For example, some of the hosts have included Jo Brand, Alexander Armstrong, Richard Ayoade and Victoria Coren Mitchell, as well as sporting icons Gary Lineker and Gary Neville.
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Why was A Question of Sport axed?
The decision to develop Have I Got Sport For You came after the BBC axed A Question of Sport last year.
Speaking about the cancellation, a BBC spokesperson told : “Due to inflation and funding challenges, difficult decisions have to be made, therefore Question of Sport is currently not in production at the moment.”
For 24 years, the show was hosted by former Wimbledon tennis star Sue Barker.
Under Sue’s lead, the quiz show achieved an average of four to five million viewers every episode.
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But in September 2020, it was announced Sue, then 66, would be replaced as host by Paddy McGuinness.
But Sue’s departure was mired in controversy after she claimed bosses forced her to put her name to a statement which said she left on her own accord.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast in 2022, the presenter described the Beeb’s handling of her departure as “insulting”.
Sue added: “I would never walk away from a job I love. I don’t mind being replaced. Absolutely fine.
“They wanted to refresh the programme, and that is absolutely fine.
“I was asked to announce I was leaving for the good of the show. I was astounded.
The re-brand did little to revive the show in the end though, as viewing figures, slumping to a record low of 730,000 on August 19, 2022.
A Question of Sport ended after 52 seasons in September last year.
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