Sue’s defiant smile after Question Of Sport axing

SUE Barker cast the BBC ageism row aside as she was seen publicly for the first time since being axed as A Question Of Sport host.

The former tennis ace, 64, beamed as she ventured from her Cotswolds home to take her dogs for a walk.

Sue looked radiant as she lapped up the early autumn sunshine in designer sunglasses. But friends say she has been left devastated after being dumped from the long- running sports quiz after 24 years.

They believe she is the latest star to fall foul of the corporation’s obsession with targeting younger audiences.

Team captains Matt

Dawson, 47, and Phil Tufnell, 54, have also been chopped as the BBC strives to increase on- screen diversity.

Veteran presenter Sue will continue fronting the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage having signed a three- year deal last year.

Former England football star Alex Scott has been tipped to replace Sue. Last

Old guard... Matt Dawson, 47, Sue Barker, 64, and Phil Tufnell, 54. Right, Sue with dogs year Ofcom warned the BBC could risk losing a generation of viewers as less than half of young people aged 16- 24 tuned into BBC TV channels in an average week.

Ex- Countryfile host Miriam O’Reilly won an employment tribunal against the BBC over ageism after being axed at 53.