Question of Spite

SUE Barker will have the last laugh on BBC bosses who dropped her from A Question Of Sport by hosting a live version that looks set to sell out.

The former tennis champion, who admitted she was gutted to lose her role at the helm of the popular sports quiz after 24 years, will front a nationwide tour next autumn.

Sue, 64, and team captains Phil Tufnell and Matt Dawson, will reunite at venues across Britain.

And the trio could be laughing all the way to the bank as they will charge fans £ 166 for meet- and- greets.

Punters who pay for the VIP package will meet the stars before the show, have their photos taken with them and watch from the best seats.

A pal of Sue’s said: “Demand for the tour is phenomenal.

“We’ve already booked 20 shows in arenas across Britain. They’ll even appear at Hammersmith Apollo.’’

Sue said: “I cannot think of a better way to bring the curtain down on my time on the show than with a live tour. The live shows are always hilarious, the interaction with the guests and the audience so special, we cannot wait for this.’’

BBC Studios will also get cash as it owns the Question Of Sport brand.

A BBC spokesman said: “A Question Of Sport Live is licensed from BBC Studios by event promoters Cuffe and Taylor, who stage the tour with Live Nation.”

The arena shows could clash with the TV show when it returns under a new host – tipped to be former England footballer Alex Scott.

One promoter said: “This has ‘ own goal’ written all over it as far as the Beeb is concerned.

“The live shows promise to be far racier, more fun and – frankly – less BBC.

“It’s just a shame they will still profit after making the mistake of axing three such popular stars.”