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 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.’
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.
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)