Latest news with #Wotton
Wales Online
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Melissa Reddy axed at Sky Sports with seven stars leaving in another major revamp
Melissa Reddy axed at Sky Sports with seven stars leaving in another major revamp Sky Sports News has made a series of cutbacks that will see plenty of on-screen employees leave the broadcaster, with several staff members affected Melissa Reddy joined Sky Sports in 2022 (Image:) Sky Sports News has axed seven prominent figures in a significant reshuffle. This includes well-known presenter Rob Wotton and senior reporter Melissa Reddy. After nearly three decades of service, Wotton made his final live appearance on Monday, bidding an emotional goodbye to the broadcaster. It has since been disclosed that six of his Sky colleagues will also be leaving as part of a redundancy scheme. The Sun has reported that those affected include senior reporter Reddy, following a period of consultation. Presenters Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor are also set to depart from the channel this summer. They dedicated 18 and 11 years to Sky, respectively. Jeremy Langdon, a long-standing reporter, is due to conclude his 20-year association with Sky Sports. Senior reporter Fadumo Okow and producer Nick Lustig will also be exiting their roles. Reddy was brought on board by Sky Sports News as a senior reporter three years ago. The South African journalist covered some of the Premier League's most significant stories during her tenure. Article continues below Reddy is one of seven senior figures to leave Sky Sports (Image:for Sky Sports ) However, recent reports have revealed that news of their departures was shared internally following a consultation period. A spokesperson clarified that this is not a cost-cutting measure but a move aimed at "making us more agile and better equipped to serve audiences". During his last appearance on Sky Sports on Monday, Wotton expressed: "It's been an absolute pleasure. Rob Wotton has also left Sky Sports (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images ) "I came here in my 20s and I thought I was only coming for a couple of weeks. And look, they haven't been able to get rid of me. I keep turning up, maybe one day they'll pay me!" Article continues below Wotton joined Sky in 1998. He hosted The Football Show on Monday mornings, reviewing the weekend action, but that programme has been axed ahead of the next season. Fellow presenters Draper and Taylor were elevated from production roles to become on-screen stars during their time at Sky Sports News. Meanwhile, Langdon had been with Sky for two decades.
Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Seven Sky Sports stars leaving show in huge shake-up as Melissa Reddy axed
Sky Sports are making major changes behind the scenes following presenter Rob Wotton's emotional farewell earlier this week, with seven more staff members set to leave the broadcaster Sky Sports News has axed seven stars as part of a major shake-up. And the move involves several familiar faces, including popular presenter Rob Wotton and senior reporter Melissa Reddy. Wotton bid farewell to the broadcaster in his final live appearance on Monday. The presenter was tearful as he addressed viewers live on air after working at Sky for almost three decades. An it has since been revealed that Wotton will be joined by six of his colleagues as part of a redundancy programme. The Sun has reported that those impacted include senior reporter Reddy following a consultation period. 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 set to end his 20-year association with Sky Sports News. Senior reporter Fadumo Okow and producer Nick Lustig will also be leaving their roles. Reddy was recruited by Sky Sports News 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. However, the latest report has revealed that news of their departures was recently shared in an internal memo following a consultation period. It is said not to be a cost-cutting measure, with a spokesperson explaining that the personnel changes were targeted at 'making us more agile and better equipped to serve audiences'. During his final Sky Sports appearance on Monday, Wotton said: "It's been an absolute pleasure. "I came here in my 20s and I thought I was only coming for a couple of weeks. "And look, they haven't been able to get rid of me.I keep turning up, maybe one day they'll pay me!" Wotton joined the broadcaster in 1998. He hosted The Football Show on Monday mornings, looking back at the weekend action, but that programme has been cancelled ahead of next season. Fellow presenters Draper and Taylor were promoted from production roles to become on-screen stars during their more than 10 years working at Sky Sports News. Meanwhile, Langdon had worked at Sky for more than 20 years.
The Irish Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Melissa Reddy among SEVEN Sky Sports News presenters leaving in major shake-up
SKY SPORTS NEWS have confirmed the departures of seven senior broadcasters as part of a major redundancy programme. Long-serving presenter Advertisement 7 Melissa Reddy is also set to leave her position at Sky Sports News Credit: instagram @melissa_reddy 7 She was a fresh recruit for Sky three years ago Credit: INSTAGRAM @melissa_reddy 7 Reddy has covered several major news stories including ones involving both Manchester clubs and Liverpool Credit: Instagram / @melissa_reddy 7 Presenter Rob Wotton announced his departure after 30 years Credit: Getty And SunSport has learned that Sky Sports News have told staff that six of Wotton's colleagues will also be leaving in an internal memo sent yesterday. Fellow presenters Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor are also going this summer, along with senior reporters Jeremy Langdon and Melissa Reddy and Fadumo Olow, and producer Nick Lustig. Sky Sports declined to comment when approached by SunSport. Wotton was in tears as he announced his departure from the company he joined in 1998 at the end of a Sky Sports News presenting shift on Monday. Advertisement READ MORE IN SPORT He also presented The Football Show – a look back at the weekend's matches and talking points that aired every Monday morning – but the programme has been axed for next season. "It's been an absolute pleasure,' Wotton said. 'I came here in my 20s and I thought I was only coming for a couple of weeks. "And look, they haven't been able to get rid of me. I keep turning up, maybe one day they'll pay me!" Fellow presenters Draper and Taylor are also Sky stalwarts and graduated from production roles to presenting, spending 18 and 11 years respectively at the broadcaster, while well-known reporter Langdon has been at Sky for over 20 years. Advertisement Most read in Sport Senior Football Reporter Reddy was a new recruit three years ago, but has covered most of the biggest stories in the Premier League in that period, particularly involving Liverpool and both Manchester clubs. Sky told staff they were embarking on a redundancy programme at the start of the month and the departures follow a period of consultation. Sky Sports presenter chokes up on final appearance as he leaves after nearly 30 YEARS with much-loved show axed Sky insist the changes are not primarily a cost-cutting measure with a spokesperson saying they are aimed at 'making us more agile and better equipped to serve audiences'. 7 Teddy Draper is leaving the broadcaster after 18 years Credit: Sky Sports Advertisement 7 Jasper Taylor will be going after 11 years at the company Credit: Sky Sports 7 Jeremy Langdon has served Sky Sports for more than two decades Credit: Sky Sports
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Sky Sports news presenter Rob Wotton has tearful farewell on final show
Wotton, the popular host of the 'The Football Show' spent more than 25 years working for the channel. Sky Sports News presenter Rob Wotton delivered an emotional goodbye to viewers as he confirmed his departure from the broadcaster. Wotton, the popular host of the 'The Football Show' spent more than 25 years working for the channel. But bosses at Sky decided to pull the plug on the popular show where pundits Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith joined Wotton to discuss results, controversies and stand-out performances from the weekends' action. It also featured former ex Premier League ref Dermot Gallagher who provided an insight during 'Ref Watch'. As the Mirror reports, a decision had been made to scrap the show completely, with Wotton announcing his own exit. Wotton joined Sky in 1998 and helped present coverage across all sports. The Football Show became his prime role, while he also regularly presented on Sky Sports News. His final show came on Monday and he delivered a tearful farewell to viewers. "It's been an absolute pleasure. I came here in my 20s and I thought I was only coming for a couple of weeks," he said. "And look, they haven't been able to get rid of me. I keep turning up, maybe one day they'll pay me!" Warnock and Smith paid their own tributes to him, while staff and friends gathered at the back of the set to give Wotton a standing ovation. Wotton is the latest departure in a string of exits from Sky. Jeff Stelling, Jimmy Bullard and John Fendley have all exited, along with several high-profile reporters such as Geoff Shreeves. The Football Show follows Soccer AM in being given the axe by Sky chiefs. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. But workers are thought to be 'bewildered' by the latest item to fall victim, with Sky Sports currently undergoing a 'restructure' that is seeing seven reporters and presenters leave. Insiders told The Mail that 'the changes are aimed at making them more agile and able to concentrate on breaking news stories across platforms". Gallagher's Ref Watch will remain in a new format elsewhere. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was known to be a big fan of The Football Show. The German especially enjoyed coverage from ex-official Gallagher in his analysis of refereeing incidents.
Dublin Live
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Dublin Live
Sky Sports presenter who was schooled on Ireland quits after his show is axed
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Presenter Rob Wotton has bid farewell to Sky Sports after infamously being schooled on the geography of Ireland six years ago. Having joined Sky way back in 1998, Wotton has covered an array of sports. While he appeared sparsely on Sky Sports News, he was best known in recent times as the host of The Football Show. With this programme now axed by the broadcaster, though, he has decided to step down. Wotton bid an emotional goodbye on Monday, with staff and friends gathering to give him a standing ovation. He ended with a heartfelt statement, struggling to hold back tears. "It's been an absolute pleasure. I came here in my 20s, and I thought I was only coming for a couple of weeks," he said. "And look, they haven't been able to get rid of me. I keep turning up, maybe one day they'll pay me!" Wotton, though, will want to forget when he found himself left red-faced six years ago after speaking to Irish rugby league star Brian Carney. The Cork-born player-turned-commentator swiftly corrected him when it came to speaking about the state of Ireland as an independent nation. Carney was interviewed on Sky Sports after it was announced that the British and Irish Lions would return to rugby league after a 12-year hiatus, but after Wotton referred to the team solely as 'Great Britain,' the rugby star became irked. (Image: Sky Sports) Carney started off by saying: "Can we start with a geography lesson and a sovereignty lesson as well, please?" The graphic beneath his name also read '14 caps for Great Britain.' "I saw a quote included from the Irish Rugby League chairman yesterday welcoming the return of Great Britain and Ireland. "He was the only person in the whole press release to reference the fact that an independent country, Ireland, is also a part of this make-up. Unless that's changed, I'm going to go with Great Britain and Ireland." After the dust had settled, Carney continued with presenter Wotton and expressed his pleasure at the brand's return to rugby league, citing himself as a 'proud Irishman.' "But Rob, it's absolutely great to see this brand back," he added. "It's a huge brand in international sport and in rugby league. I was a very proud Irishman to pull on that shirt, considering the people who had played in that jersey beforehand. "I had some great experiences, some of my best experiences playing in that jersey and playing with the crème de la crème of the Irish, the English, the Scottish, and the Welsh players that were available at that time." (Image: Sky Sports) Wotton's exit is just the latest in a line of departures involving long-serving Sky patrons. The likes of Jeff Stelling, Jimmy Bullard, and Geoff Shreeves have all left the broadcaster in recent years, and The Football Show joins Soccer AM on the chopping block. The Mail reports that Sky executives are aiming to attract a younger demographic by eliminating outdated components, while favouring YouTubers and influencers.
