Axed Sky Sports star's vile 'abuse' she suffered and what she'll do next
Melissa Reddy is one of seven prominent members of staff who have left Sky Sports News, with the broadcaster's Premier League coverage set for another reshuffle
Melissa Reddy will depart her role at Sky Sports this summer
(Image:)
Melissa Reddy has opened up about the abuse she suffered while working as a Sky Sports presenter and her plans to return to the literary world following her TV departure.
After joining Sky as a senior reporter three years ago, Reddy became a familiar face on the network, discussing all the latest news and gossip in the Premier League. The South African reporter delved into some of the biggest stories in football, mainly focusing on Manchester United and Liverpool.
However, it was confirmed on Wednesday that she would be departing her role with Sky Sports, alongside six other colleagues. Popular presenter Rob Wotton has also left, following a 27-year tenure, after the cancellation of The Football Show programme that he fronted.
Presenters Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor are set to say their farewells to Sky Sports News this summer as well, having spent 18 and 11 years respectively in their roles. Longtime star Jeremy Langdon is another star set to leave, after a 20-year career with the broadcaster.
Senior reporter Fadumo Okow and another news editor are set to depart their roles with the network too. Reddy's exit has made the most headlines due to her stature in the network, but the 38-year-old is already setting her sights on the next chapter of her career.
In a long statement on Instagram, she said (via the Mirror): "ELEVENTH!!! season of Premier League coverage done and I've called time on three years at Sky. I'll still be doing bits and bobs for them.
"But I'm genuinely soooo excited to share all the things I'll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and passions. For those that have BEEN asking for the past five years, YES - that will include new books."
Melissa Reddy has been a familiar face on Sky Sports for years
(Image:for Sky Sports )
Reddy delved into the many challenges she has faced throughout her career as a sports journalist. She openly shared that the situation hasn't much improved since her early days, but expressed gratitude for the support she's received.
She continued: "After the first press conference I covered in England all those years back, a journalist turned to the press officer and said, 'Why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs. You just want a little lick, don't you?!'
"I would love to be able to say that things have changed in that regard, but alas... the abuse as a foreign woman of colour in this sphere never ceases. I will always be stronger than the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work.
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"You can't dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark. The messages I've received from managers, players, club staff, my Sky and wider industry colleagues - people who know me, my journey and sacrifices over the past decade - carry more weight than any of the nasty noise. Let's cook."
Messages of support poured in for Reddy via her social media post, with many former colleagues sending their best wishes for her future endeavours. Formula 1 presenter Natalie Pike said: "Thank you for always shining a light for the women in our industry."
Commentator Pien Meulensteen said: "Good luck looking forward to seeing what you get up to next." Meanwhile, presenter Reshmin Chowdhury added: "Keep shining, my lovely! Can't wait to see what's cooking."
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