The retired rugby union player, 49, was well known off the pitch for being one of the stars of ‘Question of Sport’. After leaving the programme last summer, the ex-sportsman returns to our screens tonight for ‘Celebrity Catchphrase’. Matt will try to “say what he sees” during the celebrity version of the classic game show on ITV. Hosted by Stephen Mulhern, the programme sees famous faces guess catchphrases from images to win cash.
Taking on Matt is ‘Coronation Street’ star Antony Cotton and documentary maker and presenter Stacey Dooley.
The celebrities go head-to-head as they each bid to walk away with the £50,000 jackpot for their chosen charity.
Last year, Matt left the BBC’s ‘Question of Sport’ amid claims the programme had been “ruined” by attempts to “diversify” its output.
Billed as the “world’s longest running TV sports quiz”, the primetime show has been on our screens for more than five decades and is a national institution.
However, when Matt, fellow team captain Phil Tufnell, and host Sue Barker left the programme last year, it sparked outrage among members of the public.
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Matt issued his own thoughts on the situation in December as he admitted he was “gutted” about his exit.
Speaking during a live version of the quiz show in Birmingham, he said: “So that is that.
“Sue, Matt and Phil Tufnell are no more. We’re gutted but thems the breaks.
“It was emotional but fun to the very last question.”
He added: “In true ‘Question of Sport’ style, we laughed to the very end.
TV and radio sports presenter Jim White claimed Matt, Phil and Sue were “seemingly the latest collateral in the rush to deliver diversity”.
Members of the public also blasted the changes to the line-up, with some hitting out at the BBC licence fee in tandem.
Twitter user Barefoo13773917 said: “Goodness they have ruined #questionofsport.”
Another, Seanthomas2810, said: “What on earth happened to ‘Question of Sport’.
“One good reason to abolish the TV licence #questionofsport.”
Following some of the backlash, the BBC issued its own statement on the matter.
A spokesperson said: “Question of Sport has been a firm favourite of BBC One audiences for over 50 years.
“One of the reasons the show remains successful is because the hosts and captains change.”
‘Celebrity Catchphrase’ airs on ITV on Saturday from 6pm-7pm.
Published at Sat, 19 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +0000
Matt Dawson ‘gutted’ to be axed from Question of Sport as ‘diversity’ move ‘ruined’ show
