BBC Question of Sport to end

BBC Question of Sport to end.

After over 50 years of good natured, humorous banter, BBC's Question of Sport is about to be axed, pulled from the broadcasting schedules permanently and never be seen again. For those who were brought up with that compelling fusion of laddish larking and fiercely competitive rivalry at times, then this will come as a huge shock. How we revelled in the laughter, the mirth and merriment, the flirtatious teasing between the late and deeply missed Emlyn Hughes, a Liverpool legend and the Princess Royal (aka Princess Anne) before titles were changed and life was altogether different.

In 1973 TV sporting quiz shows were few and far between if they existed at all. We'd be hitherto entertained by Quiz Ball, a show consisting of two captains and a panel who were equally as famous sports celebrities. Henry Cooper was surely one of the most lovable of all boxing heavyweights and the man who once sucked the breath out of Cassius Clay by toppling him over the ropes in that celebrated heavyweight battle at the old Wembley Stadium. Cooper had also shaken the canvas underneath the same opponent at the old Highbury a couple of years before.

Now though Cooper was the captain of Quiz Ball, a sports quiz show that set the template for that format. Cooper's wit and infectious humour would illuminate those homes who were still watching their sport in black and white. The jokey repartee and razor sharp quick wittedness became a staple of the show. Cooper was confronted by the equally as charismatic Cliff Morgan, a rugby union fly half of nimble feet, deceptively blistering pace and breath taking virtuosity. Morgan would become a polished BBC commentator for his sport. Cooper and Morgan were just glorious fun and the nation could hardly contain their joy.

Then in 1970 another TV sports quiz was born and one that would maintain the highest standards of excellence. David Vine, who became the most recognisable face of Ski Sunday on BBC Two, was the first presenter of a Question of Sport and did so with much distinction for many a year. Cooper and Morgan were the first captains on this new BBC sports fest. They exchanged much chummy goodwill, gentle ribbing, were gracious in defeat but never less than committed. 

After David Vine left for Ski Sunday, Grandstand, BBC One's flagship sports show on a Saturday afternoon was presented by David Coleman. With his comfortable cashmere pullovers, remarkable delivery and a personality that matched the colour of his pullovers, he announced his presence almost immediately. Coleman had covered FA Cup Finals, Olympic Games and a famous interview with the Beatles as the group were arriving back in London after another star spangled tour of America. But Coleman was versatile, multi faceted, a man with a most distinctive voice who took Question of Sport to the most exalted of levels. 

When Coleman died, the programme was left in the most hollow vacuum, a chasm that couldn't, at the time we felt, be filled properly. Coleman's almost understated style had left the most favourable of impressions on Question of Sport. There was the brief outburst of belly laughter when questions were answered correctly and then a slightly sarcastic burst of giggling when Coleman thought the answer merited it. But it was entirely understandable irreverence because the former Grandstand presenter loved sport and communicated that passion for the whole duration of his stint on the programme.

In future years there was Ian Botham and Bill Beaumont, two bustling, buccaneering sportsmen who enjoyed and embraced sport with a lifelong relationship. It was just irrepressible fun from the beginning of the programme to the end. Botham was just the most amiable of party animals and the man who had, seemingly single mindedly guided England to that classical Ashes victory in 1981. Beaumont of course would have bust a gut to drive English rugby union to its giddiest heights, a player who decorated Twickenham with not only that muddiest of shirts but then gave heart and soul to his England team. Both men had the kind of inspirational leadership qualities that were always acknowledged heartily.

And who could ever forget Willy Carson, horse racing's finest of all time, a jockey who was almost permanently chirpy, happy go lucky, unforgettably amusing and surely the most engaging of after dinner speakers. Carson established himself as a household name with his very own funny bones that could probably be heard at Ascot, Epsom or any race course where the Carson cabaret would invariably be welcome. The twinkle in his eye and joyous interventions, when the question was thrown over to whoever his rival captain was, are now vintage memories.

So it is that the nation mourns the loss of a TV institution. A BBC sports quiz, without any question, will now be consigned to the archives of history, a sports quiz show that set the standards of excellence that may never be matched. For those who have been following sport for as long as they care to remember, we were just drawn into the lively but good natured joshing that came to define light entertainment on TV.  Sue Barker, who graced Wimbledon tennis in the early 1970s, became the most recent presenter of the programme and the enjoyment Barker derived from Question of Sport was more than evident.

While most of us are traipsing around our supermarkets for festive fare, we may shed a slight tear for the end of Question of Sport. In an age of rampant consumerism and almost yearly panic and consternation, Christmas without Question of Sport is rather like mince pies and turkey without the tinsel and glamour. We'll wheel around heaving baskets of food and drink and wonder why we'd ever bothered.

Besides, baked beans must be at least a fiver and potatoes will probably set you back a prohibitive tenner. The crisis of living age has now bitten into our financial pockets and the astronomical price of everything has now left us in the darkest lands of austerity and belt tightening. But we'll always remember Question of Sport and all who sailed in her stately galleon. It'll never be forgotten.