A Question of Sport: Paddy McGuinness named new host as BBC unveils new line-up

Comedian and Top Gear host Paddy McGuinness has been named as the new presenter of the BBC’s long-running A Question of Sport.

McGuinness, who replaces Sue Barker in the chair, will also be joined by a pair of new team captains with the departure of Phil Tufnell and Matt Dawson.

Competing against each other will be Sam Quek – the Olympic gold medal-winning hockey player – and England and Lions rugby star Ugo Monye.

The trio will begin filming for the new series during the summer and A Question of Sport will return later in the year to BBC One.

The new show will retain the popular quiz’s famous challenges and rounds, with producers also promising the introduction of some new elements to the format.

McGuinness said: “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.

“I grew up with both Davids hosting but it’s Sue who made this show her own. She will always be A Question of Sport icon, but I’ll try my best to stamp my own mark on it.”

Quek said becoming the first ever female team captain on the show, which has been running for over 50 years, was a “dream job”.

The former hockey player has become a sports presenter and pundit since retiring from competition, and has also been a finalist in both I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and Celebrity MasterChef.

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.

“I have some huge shoes to fill as Matt and Phil are two of the greatest captains to have ever appeared on the show but it’s thanks to trailblazers like Sue Barker that I now have this opportunity. I’ll give it my all and make sure I enjoy every minute of the ride. Oh, and Ugo… I’m coming for you!”

Sitting opposite her will be former international rugby union Monye, who has become a well-respected rugby pundit for BT Sport and for ITV’s coverage of the 6 Nations tournament and he also presents the BBC’s weekly rugby podcast.

He said: “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.

“A Question of Sport has had some phenomenal team captains from rugby over the years with legends like Bill Beaumont and more recently Matt Dawson, so I’m looking forward to hopefully adding to that list.

“I’d like to thank Sue Barker, Phil Tufnell, and Matt Dawson for making the show what it is today. I’m hoping to be as welcoming as they have been with guests, as competitive and have just as much fun!”