A Question of Sport fans have slammed the BBC for its ‘horrendous’ decision to make Paddy McGuinness the new host instead of ex England footballer Alex Scott.
The comedian and TV presenter, 47, is set to replace Sue Barker, 65, on the famed BBC sports panel show and Olympian Sam Quek and retired rugby star Ugo Monye will replace Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell as team captains.
It was rumoured last year that Alex Scott, 36, would take the position when Sue Barker was axed as the host after 24 years and at the time, some viewers complained about the choice.
However, Twitter users have today been stirred into a frenzy of rage over the BBC appointing McGuinness, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, as the host.
One user wrote: ‘To those who complained that Alex Scott might be the new hose of A Question of Sport… You got what you deserved.’
The comedian and TV presenter, 47, is set to replace Sue Barker, 65, on the famed BBC sports panel show and Olympian Sam Quek and retired rugby star Ugo Monye will replace Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell as team captains
Twitter users have been stirred into a frenzy of rage over the BBC appointing McGuinness, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, as the host
Another responded to the announcement by saying: ‘Really? Is that the best they can do?’
And someone else wrote: ‘Paddy McGuinness is one of those people who you constantly see on television but have absolutely no idea why.’
While another said: ‘Paddy McGuinness will take Question of Sport to a subterranean level.’
And another raged: ‘ Why? What on earth does Paddy McGuinness know about sport? Another loud-mouthed male – what happened to BBC’s ‘diversity’ plan?’
While another simply said: ‘Well he ruined Top Gear, why not this?’
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.
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.’
Last year Sue, 65, was tipped to be replaced by ex-England footballer Alex Scott, 36, (pictured)
Stars: Olympian Sam Quek (right) and retired rugby star Ugo Monye (left) will replace Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell as team captains
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.
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.’
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.