Chris Hughes axed by BBC in shock career setback after controversial Barbie quip

Former Love Island star Chris Hughes has reportedly been dropped from his presenting duties with BBC Sport, following his stint on Celebrity Big Brother and romance with Dance Moms star JoJo Siwa.

Chris, 33, has become a familiar face with BBC Sport since 2021 on the BBC's Hundred cricket competition coverage. In the latest news, Chris has been snubbed from the line-up, as an insider says they are ‘going in a different direction’ just days before the league kicks off.

A BBC insider revealed to The Sun: “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.”

READ MORE: Katie Price worries fans with appearance in family photo after explaining weight loss

READ MORE: Taylor Swift sparks engagement rumours as fans spot Travis Kelce's lock screen

The insider added: “Former England cricketers Alex Hartley and Isa Guha 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 has contacted Chris Hughes’ representatives for comment.

The news follows after the BBC reportedly told the reality star he was ‘not appropriate’ when he made a comment towards female cricketer Maitlan Brown during the BBC's coverage.

Chris made the comment when he was interviewing Southern Brave's Australian star and she mentioned a recent team bonding session.

She said: “We watched Barbie the other night altogether and it was really good team bonding and the group is gelling really well together. That is the key to success I think in tournaments like this, how well and how quickly you can gel as a group.”

Chris quickly said in response: “You're a little Barbie yourself innit, with your blue eyes”, to which Maitlan awkwardly laughed. Shortly after the interview, the BBC confirmed that they discussed the incident with Chris, as a spokesperson told Mail Sport: “We have spoken to Chris and explained that his comment was not appropriate.”

It follows after Chris officially confirmed his relationship with JoJo Siwa, just months after meeting on Celebrity Big Brother UK and sparking headlines with their unexpectedly close bond.

Initially describing their connection as a “soulmate friendship,” the relationship turned romantic in June following a holiday and affectionate social media posts.

To mark National Girlfriends Day on August 1, Chris shared a photo on Instagram that showed them cosied up together, with him writing in the caption of the post: "This is my GF."

Chris shared a series of posts on Snapchat for the occasion too, including him having uploaded several photos of the pair together. Alongside one of the photos, he wrote in a caption: "National GF day so here so is, my universe."

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Threads.