BT Sport has confirmed that presenter Melanie Sykes is to no longer be part of the channel’s MotoGP coverage.
Sykes, best known for her work in daytime and light-entertainment TV shows, was appointed by BT Sport to front live coverage of its debut MotoGP season in 2014, however she has decided to leave her post after less than three months in the role.
BT claims the split was because of Sykes’ alternative media commitments, meaning she could not fulfil her role to the extent the channel expected.
A statement from BT, issued prior to the Italian MotoGP meeting at Mugello last weekend, said: “We regret to say that Mel Sykes will no longer be a part of the presenting team on MotoGP for BT Sport.
“BT Sport’s approach is to operate a team of presenters and experts who work across both live and magazine programmes.
“Mel has other broadcasting commitments which prevent her from being able to do this and as a result working across BT Sport MotoGP programming is no longer viable.
“We wish Mel all the best in the future.”
Sykes presented the channel’s first live MotoGP race weekend from trackside at the Losail circuit in Qatar back in March, before going on to the host the two follow GPs in the United States and Argentina from BT Sport’s Olympic Park studios.
On being confirmed as BT’s lead MotoGP presenter, Sykes said: “I hope the coverage will be sexy, thrilling, fascinating and fun with bags of drama and entertainment, reflecting all the sport’s attributes to the fullest.”
However, she was notably absent from BT Sport’s coverage of the French Grand Prix at Le Mans in May, with BT Sport presenters Chris Hollins and Craig Doyle deputising for the qualifying sessions and race days respectively.
As a result of Sykes’ departure, Doyle, who front’s BT Sport’s rugby union coverage and co-hosts the channel’s ‘MotoGP Tonight’ magazine show, will now take over as one of the channel’s regular MotoGP presenters during the summer.
BT’s statement added: “Our team remain the same, we have a fantastic team of presenters and experts working across MotoGP, as the rugby season comes to an end, Craig Doyle will present more live MotoGP.”
The rest of the core BT Sport MotoGP presentation line-up remains unchanged with Keith Huewen and Julian Ryder leading the commentary team, Gavin Emmett and Neil Hodgson providing pit-lane reports and interviews, while regular analysis comes from James Toseland and special guests including former BBC MotoGP commentator Steve Parrish.
BT Sport has exclusive live UK rights to televise motorcycle racing’s premier championship for the next five years until at least 2018, having taken over the rights from the BBC at the end of last year.
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Despite being a bit out of her depth early on, it’s a shame Mel wasn’t given more time to grow into the presenting role.
Lots of, as usual, reactionary people on twitter and such like were quick to criticise her. Would like to see them handle a live TV show with screaming engine noise in background! I certainly couldn’t do it!!
Wish her well for whatever she does next.