Chris Hughes dropped from BBC hosting role in huge presenter shake-up

Chris Hughes has been dropped from his BBC hosting role in a huge presenter shake-up, it has been reported. The former Love Island star previously took on the role of a presenter on the cricket competition the Hundred since it launched in 2021.

However, it's thought that Chris will not be returning to the role this year. The Hundred is due to get underway on Tuesday with a derby between London Spirit and Oval Invincibles at Lord's.

The BBC and Sky Sports both share the TV rights for the competition. It's believed that bosses are wanting to put more focus on the actual sport of the competition rather than using celebrities to market it as an entertainment show.

The Sun reported that a spokesperson from the BBC said: "Chris has done a good job for four years, but we’re going in a different direction. There will be more focus on the cricket this year, rather than promoting the Hundred as an entertainment show.

"Former England cricketers Alex Hartley and Isa Guha and will lead the presenting team, as they know the sport inside out. Rick Edwards from Radio Five Live will be used in the Chris Hughes role."

The Mirror have contacted Chris' reps and the BBC for comment.

This is the second sports job that Chris has lost in the last few months. Back in April, it was revealed that he was leaving ITV Racing after six years with them. This was reportedly due to a dispute over pay.

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Chris' cricket presenting career wasn't all smooth sailing as in 2023 he was formally reprimanded by the BBC for making comments that were "not appropriate" after he told a female cricketer on air she was like "a little Barbie".

All-rounder Mailan Brown, who plays for the Southern Brave team, was talking about how the team had watched the Barbie Movie in order to bond. She said: "We watched Barbie the other night all together and it was really good team bonding."

Chris then responded by saying: "You’re a little Barbie yourself, aren’t you, with your blue eyes." Brown then laughed as Chris added: "She’s blushing now."

His comments then attracted criticism online and a BBC spokesperson said: "We have spoken to Chris and explained that his comment was not appropriate." Chris then returned to work for the BBC the following year.

Chris first found fame when he appeared on Love Island. He struck up a spark at the time with Olivia Attwood but the pair didn't last.

He has since gone on to appear on several reality shows, most recently Celebrity Big Brother. This is where he met his now-girlfriend JoJo Siwa after the duo got on like a house on fire during the series.

The pair seemed to just be friends while on the show but as soon as the cameras were off them, they chose to take things to the next level and are now in a relationship.

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