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Sky Sports exits continue as eight stars join 16 iconic names in shake-up

Sky Sports has seen a bit of a shake-up over the last five years, with a number of presenters, pundits and journalists alike leaving the broadcaster - from household names to behind the scenes staff

[Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas speak]

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Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas were booted by Sky Sports in 2020(Image: 2012 Getty Images)

Sky Sports News has axed seven stars as part of a major shake-up, with a number of famous faces out of a job this summer. The reporters and presenters who faced a moving-on process were informed of the broadcaster's decision in May, with Sky Sports claiming that it came as a creative decision rather than a cost-cutting tactic.

Originally launched in 1998, Sky Sports News has become synonymous with around-the-clock news coverage since its inception, but in a digital age, the organisation looks to enhance coverage across a number of platforms as it moves away from what was once strictly a product for television.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, a spokesperson for Sky Sports News last month said: "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."

On top of the seven fresh cuts, it is also said that a presenter of 16 years is set to walk away from Sky Sports News this summer, bringing the total number of those moving on to eight. But who are the eight stars who are set to leave the organisation? And who else has left the programme in the past five years? Here Mirror Football breaks it down...

Eight familiar faces to leave in fresh wave

Paul Gilmore announced last month that he is set to leave the broadcaster after a 16-year stint as a presenter, where he has been instrumental in Sky Sports' transfer coverage. Taking to social media to announce his exit, he wrote: "After 16 brilliant years in N Ireland/London with @SkySportsNews, its time to leave.

"Was proud & grateful to cover major finals, tournaments, 25 Deadline Days, domestic games & become a PL commentator. Thank you to everyone Ive worked with over the years. Its been a pleasure."

[Melissa Reddy speaks into a microphone]

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Melissa Reddy will leave Sky Sports this summer(Image: 2023 Getty Images)

Unlike Gilmore, however, seven other names have been moved on as the broadcasters undergoes a major revamp. Presenter Rob Wotton gave his final farewell during a live appearance late last month, while Melissa Reddy - who has been at the heart of some of Sky's top Premier League stories since joining the team three years ago was also let go.

Elsewhere, Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor are also leaving the channel this summer, after 18 and 11-year stints with Sky, while Jeremy Langdon is also set to end a 20-year association with the organisation. Meanwhile, Senior reporter Fadumo Okow and a news editor will also leave their roles, it is understood.

A Soccer Saturday shake-up

Jeff Stelling made national headlines when his 29-year hosting duties at Soccer Saturday came to a close at the end of the 2022/23 Premier League season. The Hartlepool-born presenter had been part and parcel of the programme since 1994, the 70-year-old later revealed that his decision came due to the toll his role was taking on his health.

Speaking to the Guardian about his exit, Stelling said: "Even though Id been there a long time, I felt some of my views werent 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 Skys management and said, 'This is making me unwell. Ive got to step away from it.'"

[Jeff Stelling poses for a portrait]

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Jeff Stelling left Sky Sports in 2023(Image: Tom Jenkins)

He added: "Im 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."

And while Stelling's departure came as a huge surprise to Soccer Saturday fans up and down the country, it pales compared to the shock decision of Sky Sports axing Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas three years earlier. A statement from Sky Sports at the time said: "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."

Elsewhere, pundit of 20 years, Tony Cottee was also let go by Sky Sports in 2021, adding to the Soccer Saturday shake-up.

Other notable pundits who have come and gone

Elsewhere, a whole host of presenters and pundits have left the programme over the past five years. Graeme Souness parted ways with the company back in 2023 after an incredible 15-year career as a pundit following his playing and managerial days, saying at the time: "I was given an opportunity to do this and it was magnificent.

[Graeme Souness looks on]

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Graeme Souness worked for Sky for 15 years(Image: Getty Images)

"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."

Bianca Westwood also left Sky Sports the same year, saying on social media: "I havent quite made enough money to retire unfortunately, but I am retiring from Sky Sports & Soccer Saturday. Its been a phenomenal 22 & a half years & Ive 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 Im immensely proud of & that can never be taken away from me. Ive covered hundreds & hundreds of games, Ive interviewed hundreds of players & managers. Ive watched hours & hours of football. Years of experience (I said what I said!) that will live with me forever.

"For the most part, its been a blast. Im grateful to you the viewers for watching over the years & for all your support. To those Ive worked with whove 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."

Meanwhile, Dickie Davis also left the broadcaster in 2023 after almost 30 years with the organisation.

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