Sue Barker

Sue Barker

Sue Barker has quit as presenter of BBC's 'Sports Personality of the Year' after 19 years.

The 'Question of Sport' host's role will now be shared by Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan when the BBC One show's 60th anniversary live episode is broadcast on December 15, but the former tennis player will be on the judging panel for this year's show.

She said: "It has been an honour to present BBC 'Sports Personality of the Year' for the last 19 years and I have loved every minute of it.

"The BBC have asked me to stay but I had made the decision to downsize my commitments a while ago, and I knew that the time would be right after what was always set to be a magical 2012.

"I will still be very much involved with the show though and I'm looking forward to the 60th anniversary celebrations coming up this year.

"I also of course look forward to continuing my other presenting work on the BBC."

Sue will be joined by several stars including three former 'Sports Personality of the Year' award nominees, Dame Kelly Holmes, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Michael Vaughan, on the panel, which will select the shortlist for the prize while a public vote will decide the winner.

Despite Sue's resignation from the role, Barbara Slater, director BBC Sport, is pleased she will still host several other programmes for the channel including Wimbledon and the Winter Olympics.

She said: "It is with a sad heart that we announce that Sue is no longer presenting, having been the mainstay of the BBC 'Sports Personality of the Year' for almost two decades.

"This is Sue's decision and one that we all respect. However fans needn't worry, she won't be absent from our screens on the night; bringing some special elements to the show as we look back on what has been another bumper year for UK sport.

"Sue will also remain very much a key part of our presenting team at BBC Sport, as we prepare for a busy 2014 sporting calendar. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Gabby Logan to the Sports Personality team for 2013. We're delighted to have her on board."

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