Paddy McGuinness is to replace Sue Barker on A Question of Sport.
The 47-year-old TV presenter will take over as the host of the sports quiz show, while Olympian Sam Quek and retired rugby star Ugo Monye will replace Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell as team captains.
Last year Sue, 65, was axed as the host of the BBC series after 24 years and ex-England footballer Alex Scott, 36, was rumoured to be taking over her role.
New role: Paddy McGuinness is to replace Sue Barker on ‘A Question of Sport’
Paddy told the Mirror: ‘I love the fiercely competitive nature of sports stars coupled with having a laugh.
‘That’s why ‘A Question of Sport’ has always been one of my favourite shows and having been weaned on it from an early age, this is an honour and opportunity I’m certainly not taking lightly.’
Paddy said that he will attempt to put his own mark on the show, which was previously hosted by David Coleman and David Vine.
He added: ‘I grew up with both Davids hosting but it’s Sue who made this show her own.
The past: The 47-year-old TV presenter will take over from Sue as the host of the sports quiz show (Sue is pictured with team captains Matt Dawson (left) and Phil Tufnell (right))
‘She will always be A Question of Sport icon, but I’ll try my best to stamp my own mark on it.’
Paddy has plenty of presenting experience on shows such as Take Me Out and Top Gear.
Former hockey player Sam, 32, who has become the first female captain in the programme’s 50-year history, described the show as her ‘dream job’.
She said: ‘I’ve watched ‘A Question of Sport’ since I was a little girl and my ambition to appear on the show came true five years ago – but I never thought that I would one day be a captain.
‘And the first female captain in the show’s 50-year history too.’
All change: Last year Sue, 65, was tipped to be replaced by ex-England footballer Alex Scott, 36, (pictured) in a show shake up
Sam praised Matt and Phil as ‘two of the greatest captains to have ever appeared on the show’ and she is looking forward to taking on Ugo in the new series.
She said: ‘I’ll give it my all and make sure I enjoy every minute of the ride. Oh, and Ugo … I’m coming for you.’
Former England star Ugo, 38, thanked Sue, Matt and Phil for ‘making the show what it is today’, and admitted it is ‘truly humbling’ to take on a team captain role.
Stars: Olympian Sam Quek (right) and retired rugby star Ugo Monye (left) will replace Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell as team captains
Who are the new A Question of Sport team captains?
Sam Quek
Sam Quek, MBE, is an English former field hockey player and television personality.
She played as a defender for both the England and Great Britain teams, wearing squad number 13, and won gold as part of the British team at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
She has presented various television sports shows, including American football on the BBC, rugby union on Channel 5, field hockey on BT Sport and football for Channel 4 and LFC TV.
She also took part in the sixteenth season of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here in 2016.
Sam is married to Tom Mairs, a property entrepreneur and in In March 2021 had her first child, daughter, Molly.
Ugo Monye
Ugo is an English sports pundit and former rugby union player.
He played 14 times for England, 241 times for his only club Harlequins and played twice for the British & Irish Lions on their 2009 tour to South Africa.
He presents the Rugby Union Weekly podcast for the BBC.
He is also currently presenting on BT Sport and has worked as a brand Ambassador for Maximuscle.
He added: ‘It’s an incredible honour to be selected as A Question of Sport’s team captain.
‘It’s a show I have watched my entire life, so to be named as a captain is truly humbling.’
There was a mixed response to the news on Twitter, with some happy with the line up, while others questioned the choice to make Paddy the host as his background isn’t in sport.
Positive: There was a mixed response on Twitter, with some happy with the line up (pictured), while others questioned the choice to make Paddy the host as his background isn’t in sport
Upset: Others weren’t convinced, with one writing: ‘I won’t be watching anymore!!’ while another said: ‘Odd choice!’
One happy fan wrote: ‘Fantastic choice of captains….both winners at the highest level, competitive and entertaining.’
Another said: ‘Oh yes…I’m loving this!! Come on!!’ while a third said ‘Congratulations @PaddyMcGuinness the new QoS presenter!! Surprised but a superb choice.’
Others weren’t convinced, with one writing: ‘I won’t be watching anymore!!’ while another said: ‘Odd choice!’.
Sam Quek shared a heartfelt statement on her Instagram after the news was confirmed as well as a video of her reading a Question of Sport quiz book.
It read: ‘I feel so lucky to have been selected to be a captain on A Question Of Sport. It really is my dream job. I have watched the show since I was a little girl and my dream of one day appearing on it came true five years ago – but I never dared to dream that I would one day be a captain! I feel so, so lucky.
‘I realise that I have some big shoes to fill. Both Matt and Phil are two of the greatest captains to have ever appeared on the show. They have been funny and knowledgable throughout their tenure and entertained us year upon year. Matching their brilliance will be a very tough task!
Happy! Sam Quek shared a heartfelt statement on her Instagram after the news was confirmed as well as a video of her reading a Question of Sport quiz book
‘I would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that I am the first female captain in the show’s 50-year history. It’s thanks to trailblazers like Sue Barker that I am now cast in this role today.
‘I need to say a couple of thank you’s too: Firstly to Gareth Edwards and Question Of Sport for entrusting me with the role.
‘Thank you to my family for introducing me to such a variety of sports when I was younger. That ignited an interest in sport which I have maintained throughout my life. And finally a thank you to my agent, Luke Sutton of Activate Management.
Thrilled: She looked happy to have beeen selected as one of the team captains
‘I remember from the Rio Olympics, being sat in my lounge and you asking ”Well, what’s the new dream?” And my replying: ‘I’d like to present an Olympics one day and I’d love to go on Question Of Sport sometime soon” – Five years later, I’m set to present BBC Breakfast’s Olympic coverage and I’m a b****y captain on my favourite TV show. Few realise the work we’ve put in to get to this point. Thank you for believing in me and for your patience and care in steering my career the way you have.
‘I’m going to give the role all that I have and will make sure to enjoy every minute of it! – Oh and Ugo… I’m coming for you! With Paddy as the host the show is of course going to be a lot of fun… but I’m still playing to win. Sam x’
In September, Sue admitted she was ‘sad to say goodbye’ to A Question of Sport.
She said: ‘I love the show so much they would have to remove me, it would have been tough for me to walk away, I’ve absolutely loved my 24 years fronting ‘A Question Of Sport’, it’s been my dream job.
Exciting: A Question of Sport made the announcement on their Twitter account on Wednesday night during the England game
Icon: In September, Sue admitted she was ‘sad to say goodbye’ to A Question of Sport
‘But I understand the BBC want to take the show in a new direction and I’m sad to say goodbye.’
Matt wrote on Twitter: ‘Thanks for all the lovely messages. I’m not sure how to respond so I’ll have a think. Needless to say I will miss @QuestionofSport immensely…. (sic)’
Phil tweeted: ’13 yrs @QuestionofSport has been a great part of life … going to miss it hugely .. thanks so much for all the lovely messages !!’
Last year, it was revealed Alex had been tipped to replace Sue on the show after impressing BBC bosses during previous appearances on the programme.
Professional: Paddy has plenty of presenting experience on shows such as Take Me Out and Top Gear (pictured with wife Christine in 2018)
A source claimed Alex being in consideration for the presenting job had ‘nothing to do with gender, nor is it a case of the BBC trying to be woke’.
The insider told The Sun that Alex was being ‘lined up’ as Sue’s replacement because of her sporting knowledge and experience.
They said: ‘Like Sue, she’s a former sportswoman and she also has five years of broadcasting under her belt. This has nothing to do with gender, nor is it a case of the BBC trying to be woke.
Rumours: Last year, it was revealed Alex had been tipped to replace Sue on the show after impressing BBC bosses during previous appearances on the programme
‘While a lot can happen over the next three months, as things stand Alex is genuinely considered the best woman for the job.’
Alex had previously guest-starred on A Question Of Sport twice, with one occasion broadcast in November 2016.
In September last year the star played down speculation BBC bosses had rubber-stamped her appointment to replace Sue.
On Instagram Alex wrote: ‘The love & support shown to me yesterday has me smiling through the weekend #thankyou I am going to #keeponkeepingon like always!
Work: Take Me Out – which was hosted by Paddy – was axed in 2020 after 11 years after bosses felt the dating show had ‘run its course’
The only thing that is signed sealed delivered that I am buzzing about right now though is….@Aubameyang7 @Arsenal #COYG.’
During her athletic career, Alex represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics and was awarded an MBE in 2016.
The former professional footballer made 140 appearances for the English national team, and helped to score 12 goals.
After retiring from football in 2017, she went on to become the first female pundit for Sky Sport’s Super Sunday show.
Pals: Paddy currently presents Top Gear with Freddie Flintoff (left) and Chris Harris (centre)