Sue Barker says she would return to the BBC to host Wimbledon as the former tennis star, 68, admits she 'didn't want to leave' when was forced out of the role two years ago after she made surprise return to centre court for Andy Murray
Sue Barker says she would return to theBBCto host Wimbledon and admitted she 'didn't want to leave' when she was forced out of the role two years ago.
The former tennis star, 68, made a surprise return this week to the iconic Centre Court at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club forAndy Murray's farewell match and has now expressed interest in coming back full time.
She received a roaring welcome and applause as she came out of retirement to interview an emotional Sir Andy, telling the crowd: 'I couldn't miss this. I was not going to miss this, I tell you.'
And speaking tothe Mirrorabout the possibility of returning to present the BBC's Wimbledon coverage, she said: 'Yes, I would. I loved it.
'I loved the people and I didn't want to leave. But you start hearing rumours of what is happening and (the BBC) obviously wants the next generation, and when you start hearing those rumours you think, "Maybe it's time to get out while they still want me rather than being shoved out of the back door".'
Sue Barker pictured with Andy Murray in a surprise return to Centre Court on Thursday for the tennis star's Wimbledon farewell. She said she would return to host the event given the chance
Ms Barker (pictured) bid farewell to the tennis tournament in 2022 after 30 years of presenting coverage of the event for the broadcaster
The veteran presenter pictured at Wimbledon in 2000. She has now admitted she 'didn't want to leave' the role
Ms Barker bid farewell to the tennis tournament in 2022 after 30 years of presenting coverage of the event for the broadcaster.
Her Wimbledon departure came two years after the BBC announced she would be stepping down as host of A Question Of Sport after she presented the show for 24 years, with Paddy McGuinness later taking over the role.
She later criticised the way in which her departure from the quiz show was handled by the broadcaster in an interview with BBC Breakfast, suggesting the corporation had wanted her to say she was stepping back by her own choice, and not that she was being replaced as part of a 'refresh'.
Reflecting on how this impacted her decision about Wimbledon, Barker said: 'The sacking from A Question Of Sport hurt so much that I thought, "I don't want to go through that again".
'I wanted to get out at the top. We are doing the A Question Of Sport theatre show next year. I have my WhatsApp group with Phil Tufnell and Matt Dawson. We'll be friends for life.'
Alongside Barker's exit, the show's team captains Dawson and Tufnell were replaced by Sam Quek and Ugo Monye.
Last December, BBC announced it had benched the long-running quiz show due to 'inflation and funding challenges', ending a more than 50-year run on the national broadcaster.
This week, former Wimbledon champion Murray was surprised by Sue Barker who led a hero's tribute for the Scots tennis star moments after he lost his doubles match with his brother Jamie.
The former Wimbledon presenter said she was 'not going to miss this' as she stepped out onto Centre Court for the farewell that ended in a standing ovation.
Andy Murray was surprised by Sue Barker who led an emotional goodbye to the Scottish tennis star moments after he lost his doubles match with brother Jamie on Thursday
Murray and Ms Barker pictured at his farewell ceremony on Thursday night
The former tennis star pictured with former rugby player Matt Dawson (left) and ex-England cricketer Phil Tufnell (right) on A Question of Sport in 2019
Ms Barker said she wanted to take advantage of Murray being on Centre Court 'to celebrate all you have achieved and pay tribute.'
She then addressed his parents Judy and William Murray, saying: 'An amazing 10 grand slam titles between these two brothers.
'All I can say to mum Judy and dad Will - congratulations you have produced two outstanding champions.'
