Sue Barker may have just accidentally confirmed her Wimbledon replacement-Alistair McGeorge-Entertainment – Metro

Sue Barker might have accidentally named her replacement (Picture: AP/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Sue Barker appears to have accidentally revealed her replacement for Wimbledon as she accepted her prize at the BT Sport Action Woman Awards.

The former professional tennis player and commentator, 66, bid a tearful farewell to Wimbledon earlier this year after 30 years of presenting coverage of the tennis event for the BBC.

After receiving the lifetime achievement award at the Action Woman Awards on Wednesday evening, Sue sat down with fellow sporting broadcaster Clare Balding on stage to discuss her achievements.

During the conversation, Sue said: ‘I just want to say, leaving Wimbledon, it’s incredibly… I’ve loved it all my life. I know I’m leaving it in the safest hands, it’s absolutely wonderful to leave it with Clare.’

She gestured towards the 51-year-old star, who appeared somewhat anxious about the apparent slip-up as she bit her lip in response to the comment.

Clare has presented the Today At Wimbledon segment of the coverage – which shows highlights and discussions from the day’s play each evening – since 2015 and has been a favourite to replace Barker since her retirement was announced in June.

Clare Balding may be stepping up as her replacement (Picture: Oliver Dixon/Shutterstock)

Sue Barker was emotional as she bid farewell to Wimbledon earlier this year (Picture: Dave Shopland/REX/Shutterstock)

If she is indeed officially announced as the new presenter, she will follow in the footsteps of just a select few to have presented the Championships’ main show, including David Coleman, Harry Carpenter, Des Lynam and Barker herself.

Before becoming a presenter, Sue played tennis professionally, achieving a Grand Slam singles title after winning the French Open in 1976.

As she stepped down from her role of fronting the annual sporting showpiece in July, Clare appeared to choke up as she wished her colleague well from the commentary box along with commentator and former Wimbledon champion John McEnroe.

“And I think it’s fair to say, we’ve broken her,’ she said as Barker also broke down in tears.

During the send-off Barker managed to get a couple of sentences out despite her tears, saying: ‘It’s been an absolute privilege. I’ve loved it. Thirty amazing years. Thank you.’

Metro.co.uk has contacted BBC for comment.

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