Phil Tufnell gives honest five-word response when asked about Question of Sport axe
EXCLUSIVE: Phil Tufnell was a staple figure on British television throughout his time on A Question of Sport up until the day the BBC shook up the show
Phil Tufnell was on A Question of Sport for 13 years
(Image: PA )
Phil Tufnell has admitted that he was not surprised when the BBC decided to part with himself, Sue Barker and Matt Dawson on A Question of Sport.
Tufnell, 59, had been a team captain on the panel show since 2007 until he was let go by the BBC as part of a reshuffle in 2020. The England cricket legend was one of the most recognisable figures on the show, until he made way for Paddy McGuinness, hockey star Sam Quek and rugby ace Ugo Monye.
When the new format of the show was shelved in 2023, ex-BBC Football Focus presenter Dan Walker suggested the Beeb may have, "alienated their core audience while searching for a new one" when they decided to axe Tufnell and his show mates. Barker was also upset with the way the decision was handled.
Tufnell held no resentment when he was informed about his departure. Speaking at the launch of The Overlap and Betfair's Stick to Cricket show, Tufnell looked back on the decision and said: "You can't do things forever."
He added: " They had been talking about it and what have you. I wasn't really involved in it. We'd all been doing it for a while. Well, more than a while, around 13 or 14 years I'd been captain.
"You can't do things forever. They fancied a bit of a refresh. We were just sort of like, 'Okay, well, there you go. Thanks very much for the memories. I thoroughly enjoyed every single show. Loved every minute of it.'
Article continues below
"Now we're doing the theatre show. It's not called a Question of Sport, of course. We're all good friends, all got a very similar sense of humour. We all get on very well, so it's great to be back recreating it a little bit.
Tufnell had been on the show for 13 years when he was told he would be leaving in 2020
(Image: BBC )
"Obviously, you think to yourself, 'Oh crikey' but we wished everyone the best. It was part of our lives.'
In a statement released at the time, the BBC said: "We would like to thank Sue for her enormous contribution as the show's longest reigning host over the last 24 years, and Matt and Phil for their excellent team captaincy over 16 and 12 years respectively.
"Together they have ensured A Question of Sport remains a firm favourite with the BBC One audience. Sue, Matt and Phil's final series will be broadcast next year."
Tufnell will be a guest on the Stick to Cricket podcast, which launches very soon
(Image: Betfair/Stick to Cricket podcast )
When the show was shelved in 2023, a BBC spokesman appeared to leave the door ajar for a future reboot, claiming the decision was, "not the final whistle." When asked if he thinks the show may return in the future, potentially with himself, Barker and Dawson's involvement, Tufnell added: " I hope it does come back.
"It was part of my childhood. It had been going for 55 years, a long time. I loved the show when I was on it and I loved it as a boy. It was one of those little half an hours that you sat round with your family.
"Hopefully, it comes back. I'd be delighted to sit down and watch it. Whether we do it again, I'm not so sure. But, we've had our time haven't we?"
Article continues below
Betfair are set for a big summer and winter of cricket, launching a new show with The Overlap: Stick to Cricket. Don't miss the first episode next week, where the team will be reviewing the opening test of the series between England and India.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
15 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
BREAKING: Gregg Wallace reveals how he feels about Rod Stewart after singer's 'tubby' swipe
Former MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has addressed comments made by Sir Rod Stewart and revealed what he really thinks of the legendary rocker. In December 2024, Sir Rod alleged that the presenter "humiliated" his wife Penny Lancaster on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021, following Wallace stepping away from the BBC programme while the show's production company Banijay UK investigates claims of misconduct. The veteran singer wrote: "So Greg Wallace gets fired from Master Chef. Good riddance Wallace… You humiliated my wife when she was on the show, but you had that bit cut out didn't you? You're a tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully. Karma got ya. Sir Rod Stewart." Loose Women star Penny said the following month that that she did not know her husband was going to make accusations about Wallace's behaviour until she saw a post on Instagram. Gregg Wallace says 'I'm not a sex pest' as he slams 'horrific' reaction to his BBC axe Wallace, who was formally sacked from the BBC earlier this month following an inquiry into his alleged misconduct, has now discussed Sir Rod and Penny's comments. In an interview with The Sun, where he also reveals how he feels about his former co-host John Torode's MasterChef exit, Wallace said: "I'm actually a Rod Stewart fan. I've been to see him twice. So that hurt me. Somebody like that carries a lot of weight. But there was no bullying and no harassing." Speaking about Sir Rod's Instagram post on Loose Women in December, Penny admitted: "I didn't realise my husband had sent that post out until it was out. And of course, you can imagine the influx of inquiries there were. "I most definitely was witness and victim to some of the bullying and harassment behaviour of Gregg Wallace, and unfortunately, a lot of those involved in the production team were also witness to that, and I really feel that he used his position of power to, I believe, intimidate and cause distress to a lot of people on set. "And it's really unfortunate that someone like him is allowed to get away with that, and while others sort of stand by and let it happen at the same time." She added that she was 'in shock' by Sir Rod's message, recalling: "I felt a little bit vindicated that something was put out there, going back to sort of that whole Me Too (movement), it's shocking to think how many women do suffer in the hands of… (men) in a powerful position and are too afraid to talk out. "They don't feel at the time that they're going to be supported or listened to. So sometimes it can take a few years later for someone to mention something. It gives the other victims and people that have suffered the confidence to come forward." Following the BBC confirming his exit from MasterChef earlier this month, in the wake of a report that saw 45 out of 83 allegations made against him upheld, Wallace said: "For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. "None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended." The report found that the "majority of the allegations against Mr Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018', with only one allegation substantiated after 2018. It also concluded that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour', adding that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated', with 'one incident of unwelcome physical contact' also substantiated. The report noted that during the course of the investigation, which was over a seven-month period, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and said that the findings should be viewed in the context of his neurodiversity. In his statement, Wallace added: 'I'm relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018. Some of my humour and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off. 'After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I've only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier.' 'A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I'm perceived. I'm still learning.'
Metro
17 minutes ago
- Metro
John Torode looks serious in first public appearance since MasterChef sacking
John Torode has been spotted in public for the first time since he was sacked as a presenter on BBC series MasterChef. The TV presenter and chef, 60, was removed from the cooking competition alongside his co-host Gregg Wallace, also 60, earlier this month. Wallace stepped away from MasterChef in November last year as an in-depth investigation was conducted into the historical allegations regarding his behaviour on the show. It was found that 45 out of 83 allegations were upheld following the investigation, with Wallace saying he was 'deeply sorry' for his past actions but insisted the most serious allegations were unproven. Days later, it emerged that co-host Torode's contract would not be renewed after nine complaints were lodged against him – among which was a claim that he 'used the N-word' on two separate occasions. Torode's removal as presenter – which was confirmed on July 14 – came in spite of his insistence that he had no memory of either incident ever taking place. Now, just over a week later, he's been spotted out in public for the first time since it was revealed that he was also investigated as part of the Silkins report. He was spotted on Wednesday July 23 on his 60th birthday visiting an organic food store near his home in north London. A source told The Sun that John had decided to have 'a quiet birthday meal' with his wife Lisa Faulkner and some close friends, adding: 'It's been an incredibly difficult time for him.' Accompanying Torode was his family dog, Rory, a schnauzer, with the TV host holding Rory's lead in one hand and a reusable blue and white shopping bag in the other. He opted for casual clothes, donning a navy blue t-shirt and matching blue jogging trousers, completing his look with black and white trainers. In the images taken on Wednesday, Torode appeared not to acknowledge the photographers, choosing instead to carry on with his day as normal. Despite the revelations of the investigation, the BBC has said that the series of MasterChef filmed before Wallace and Torode's sackings will air as normal. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A BBC spokesperson said: 'After careful consideration and consultation with the contestants, we have decided to broadcast the amateur series of MasterChef on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from August 6. 'MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part. The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey.' More Trending The spokesperson revealed that it had 'not been an easy decision in the circumstances' and acknowledged that not everyone would agree with the final result. They added: 'In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. 'We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC.' View More » Calling it the 'right thing to do' for the cooks to be 'properly recognised', the BBC did qualify that the fate of the celebrity series and two Christmas special episodes featuring Torode was uncertain. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: I love Sherlock but a reboot would be the worst idea ever MORE: Line of Duty star's drama that will 'seize your soul' launches on BBC MORE: Chloe Ayling: 'I can't believe I'm still talking about being kidnapped eight years later'
Daily Mirror
17 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Gregg Wallace says 'I'm not a sex pest' as he slams 'horrific' reaction to his BBC axe
Axed MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has spoken out following his dismissal from the BBC, accusations of inappropriate behaviour, including claims of being a 'groper, flasher, and a sex pest' Former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has spoken out following his exit from the BBC, insisting he has been misrepresented and unfairly compared to serious sex offenders. In an emotional interview, Wallace, 60, said: 'I'm not a groper, a sex pest or a flasher.' Though acknowledging some past comments were inappropriate, he made clear he is not trying to seek sympathy: 'I'm not looking to play the victim.' Wallace was removed from MasterChef after an independent investigation upheld 45 of 83 complaints against him, made by 41 individuals. Addressing the claims, he told The Sun: "I'm not a groper. People think I've been taking my trousers down and exposing myself, I am not a flasher. People think I'm a sex pest. I am not. I am not sexist or a misogynist, or any of it. There never were any accusations of sexual harassment. 'I have seen myself written about in the same sentence as Jimmy Savile and Huw Edwards, paedophiles and sex offenders. That is just so, so horrific.' Another upheld allegation dates back 15 years and involves Wallace touching a woman at a party. He admits to placing his hand on her bottom but insists he believed the moment was consensual. According to him, the woman had shared personal details about her life and given him her phone number, which he interpreted as a sign of mutual interest. Wallace maintains that, even in the official report, it was acknowledged that he viewed the interaction as consensual. One of the upheld allegations relates to an incident from 18 years ago, when Wallace briefly emerged from his dressing room wearing only a sock over his genitals. He explained that the studio was closed at the time, with no contestants present, and that only a few colleagues whom he considered friends were nearby. According to Wallace, the act was intended as a joke, and those who witnessed it were either amused or unfazed. He maintains that no one was distressed by the moment. Wallace further described the context of the sock incident, claiming that just outside his dressing room sat four colleagues from the show, including Monica Galetti. 'I was getting changed to go to a black tie event, a charity event,' he said. 'I put my bow tie on and my shirt. It's only them outside the door. I put the sock on, opened the door, went, 'Wahey!' and shut the door again.' He added that those present were either amused or confused, insisting: 'Nobody was distressed.' The axed MasterChef judge also addressed more claims, particularly one from a woman identified by the BBC as Alice, who accused him of exposing himself. 'That really damaged me,' he said angrily. 'In the investigation, it says this person's story is simply not credible.' Wallace claimed that he often changed clothes in front of others and wasn't shy about revealing his torso. He also acknowledged that much of the upheld criticism centred around his use of sexualised or inappropriate remarks, which he fully accepts. However, he attributes that behaviour to his upbringing. Reflecting on the experience, Wallace admitted to using inappropriate language and said: 'I have learnt a lot about myself over the past eight months or so... I understand now and to anyone I have hurt, I am so sorry.' 'I don't expect anyone to have any sympathy with me but I don't think I am a wrong 'un.'
