Axed Sky Sports presenter breaks silence on exit, 'abuse' and new career path
Melissa Reddy will leave her role with Sky Sports this summer after three years as a senior reporter with the broadcaster and she has now opened up on what lies ahead in her career
Axed Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy has revealed she will return to writing books after her departure from the broadcaster. Reddy was recruited as a senior reporter three years ago.
During her time with the broadcaster, the South African journalist covered some of the Premier League 's top stories. She has mainly worked on Manchester United and Liverpool during that time.
But it was confirmed on Wednesday that she would be leaving her role, along with six other colleagues. Popular presenter Rob Wotton has also left after 27 years following the cancellation of The Football Show programme he fronted.
Presenters Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor are also leaving the channel this summer, having spent 18 and 11 years with Sky respectively. Long-serving reporter Jeremy Langdon is also set to end his 20-year association with Sky Sports News.
Senior reporter Fadumo Okow and a news editor will also be leaving their roles. The news was first reported by The Sun. Reddy's exit is arguably the most high-profile and she has now announced she will be embarking on a new career path.
In a lengthy statement, she wrote on Instagram: "ELEVENTH!!! season of Premier League coverage done and I've called time on three years at Sky. I'll still be doing bits and bobs for them.
"But I'm genuinely soooo excited to share all the things I'll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and passions. For those that have BEEN asking for the past five years, YES - that will include new books."
Reddy also opened up on the abuse that she has faced over her years as a sports reporter. She revealed that things had not improved from her first days in the industry but thanked those who had sent her messages of support.
"After the first press conference I covered in England all those years back, a journalist turned to the press officer and said 'why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs. You just want a little lick, don't you?!'" Reddy added.
"I would love to be able to say that things have changed in that regard, but alas… the abuse as a foreign woman of colour in this sphere never ceases. I will always be stronger than the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work.
"You can't dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark. The messages I've received from managers, players, club staff, my Sky and wider industry colleagues - people who know me, my journey and sacrifices over the past decade - carry more weight than any of the nasty noise. Let's cook."
Several of Reddy's former colleagues have wished her farewell. Formula 1 presenter Natalie Pike commented: "Thank you for always shining a light for the women in our industry."
Commentator Pien Meulensteen said: "Good luck looking forward to seeing what you get up to next." While presentender Reshmin Chowdhury added: "Keep shining, my lovely! Can't wait to see what's cooking."
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