A QUESTION of Sport could ditch its tradition of having a former athlete present the show — and instead opt for a comedian as the host.
BBC bosses are busy screen testing comics for the role in a bid to attract a younger generation of viewer.
Host and former tennis ace Sue Barker, 64, was originally going to be replaced by the ex- England footballer Alex Scott, 36, who may now become a team captain instead, The Sun can reveal.
Funnymen including Jack Whitehall, 32, Mo Gilligan, 33, and Jon Richardson, 38 are among those said to be in the mix for hosting.
The corporation has poached top telly executive Pete Ogden, the man behind Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, for the reboot.
According to studio sources, the long-running show, which first aired in 1970, will now be a cross between Have I Got News For You and Sky One’s League of their Own.
A source said: “Pete is showbiz through and through, and will bring back some much-needed glamour to A Question of Sport
“Bosses are trying out various line-ups, and are keen on getting a comedian, rather than ex-sportsperson, to front it.
“The hope is to attract younger viewers and give the show a new lease of life.
“Everyone at the Beeb is really excited. It’s going to be brilliant.”
It is not known who else is in the frame for a captain slot, previously taken by rugby’s Matt Dawson, 48, and ex-cricketer Phil Tufnell, 54.
Last year fans cried ageism after the duo, plus Sue, were axed.
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