16 Sky Sports favourites who've left channel since 2020 as axe falls on seven more stars
Football June 07, 2025 06:39 PM

Sky Sports News is undergoing a serious overhaul, with seven well-known personalities given their marching orders in what's being described as a major revamp for the broadcaster.

These seasoned reporters and presenters were informed about their futures in May when indicated that the move is rooted in creative renewal rather than an attempt to cut costs. Since its launch in 1998, Sky Sports News has been the go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking constant updates, establishing itself as an all-hours news provider.

But now, in an age where digital consumption reigns supreme, the channel is looking to expand its reach, embracing various platforms to evolve beyond its traditional television roots. A spokesperson from Sky Sports News told last month: "We've shared proposals with the Sky Sports News team to change how we're structured, aimed at making us more agile and better equipped to serve audiences across TV, digital and social. A small number of roles are impacted, and we are now entering a period of consultation with those colleagues."

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In addition to these changes, a presenter who has graced the Sky Sports News studio for 16 years is also set to depart the channel this summer, pushing the total to eight exits. The pressing question remains: who are the eight individuals preparing their goodbyes? And who else has left Sky Sports in recent years?

Eight stalwarts set to exit in fresh shake-up

Paul Gilmore is set to bow out from his role at Sky Sports after a remarkable 16-year run as a presenter, leaving a notable footprint on transfer coverage, reports . Announcing his departure on social media, he said: "After 16 brilliant years in N Ireland/London with @SkySportsNews, it's time to leave.

"Was proud and grateful to cover major finals, tournaments, 25 , domestic games and become a PL commentator. Thank you to everyone I've worked with over the years. It's been a pleasure."

Meanwhile, seven additional figures are being ushered out as part of a broad overhaul by the broadcaster. Rob Wotton bid adieu in a live segment recently, marking the end of his time with Sky, while Melissa Reddy, at the forefront of Sky's premier Premier League reporting for three years, has been released.

In other news, Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor are slated to exit the channel following respective 18 and 11-year tenures, and senior reporter Fadumo Olow and a news editor are expected to vacate their positions. Jeremy Langdon rounds off those departing after two decades of service.

A significant Soccer Saturday reshuffle

Jeff Stelling made headlines across the nation as he concluded his 29-year tenure as host of Soccer Saturday at the end of the 2022/23 season. The Hartlepool-born presenter, who had been synonymous with the show since 1994, later explained that the role was taking a toll on his physical health.

In an interview with regarding his departure, Stelling said: "Even though I'd been there a long time, I felt some of my views weren't considered at all. Every week I was fighting a battle. I got tired of fighting and it was making me ill. Eventually, I went to Sky's management and said, 'This is making me unwell. I've got to step away from it."

He added: "I'm almost ashamed to say it because my dad worked in a steelworks and would come back from his shift covered in grime and muck and absolutely exhausted. He would never have allowed me to say I was shattered after a TV show. But I felt it was making me ill so I had to step away."

While Stelling's exit shocked Soccer Saturday enthusiasts nationwide, it was arguably less startling than Sky Sports' unexpected dismissal of pundits , Phil Thompson, and three years prior. At the time, Sky Sports released a statement saying: "We are changing some parts of our football coverage. Matt, Charlie and Phil have done a great job for us over the years, and they will leave us with our sincere thanks and very best wishes."

Veteran pundit Tony Cottee also found himself off the roster at Sky Sports in 2021, contributing to a significant reshaping of Soccer Saturday.

Other notable pundits who have come and gone

bid farewell to his role with the company in 2023 after a remarkable 15-year stint as a pundit. Reflecting on his departure, he said: "I was given an opportunity to do this and it was magnificent.

"It has just been the most fantastic time for me. I love football, l care about football and l worry about it going forward, but in Sky's hands it is in good hands, it is in safe hands."

In that eventful year, Bianca Westwood too announced her departure from Sky Sports and Soccer Saturday, taking to social media to say: "I haven't quite made enough money to retire unfortunately, but I am retiring from Sky Sports and Soccer Saturday. It's been a phenomenal 22 and a half years and I've been a small part of building the channel into the giant of broadcasting it is today. What a ride!

"Being the first female match reporter on Soccer Saturday is something I'm immensely proud of and that can never be taken away from me. I've covered hundreds and hundreds of games, I've interviewed hundreds of players and managers. I've watched hours and hours of football. Years of experience (I said what I said! ) that will live with me forever.

"For the most part, it's been a blast. I'm grateful to you the viewers for watching over the years and for all your support. To those I've worked with who've been a big part of my life at Sky, you know who you are, thanks for the memories. On to the next chapter. Buzzing for it."

Additionally, 2023 also saw the departure of another Sky stalwart, Dickie Davis , who ended his nearly three-decade tenure with the broadcaster.

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