Sue Barker is "sad to say goodbye" to ‘A Question of Sport’.
The 64-year-old TV presenter – who has been dropped from the programme, alongside team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell – admitted she loved her 24 years hosting the sports quiz show, and insisted the BBC had to axe her because she wouldn’t have ever left her "dream job".
She told the Daily Mail newspaper: "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.
"But I understand the BBC want to take the show in a new direction and I’m sad to say goodbye."
Sue – a former grand slam tennis champion – ex-England rugby union star Matt, and former England cricketer Phil will no longer be on the show from next year.
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 has admitted he will miss the show "hugely".
He wrote: "13 yrs @QuestionofSport has been a great part of life .. going to miss it hugely .. thanks so much for all the lovely messages !! (sic)"
Sue joined the show back in 1997 – when she replaced commentator David Coleman – Matt took over from jockey Frankie Dettori 16 years ago, and Phil replaced former footballer Ally McCoist in 2008.
A spokesperson for the BBC said: "We would like to thank Sue for her enormous contribution as the show’s longest reigning host and Matt and Phil for their excellent captaincy.
"Together they have ensured ‘A Question of Sport’ remains a firm favourite with BBC One audiences."