The BBC ends the winter sports programme Ski Sunday after 48 years
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 1:08 PM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
The BBC is ending its winter sports programme, Ski Sunday, after nearly five decades on air. First broadcast in 1978, the show has covered international winter sports action for generations of viewers. The broadcaster confirmed the decision is part of a broader effort to meet financial savings requirements and adapt to changing audience viewing habits. Presenters Ed Leigh and Chemmy Alcott led the show's most recent iteration. While the long-running programme will conclude, the BBC stated it remains committed to broadcasting major winter sports events, including the Winter Olympics, across its various media platforms. Philip Bernie, the head of BBC Sport events, credited the production for its role in bringing winter sports to UK audiences since its debut.
- •Ski Sunday first launched in 1978.
- •The programme is ending due to financial savings requirements.
- •Presenters Ed Leigh and Chemmy Alcott were the most recent leads.
- •The BBC will continue covering the Winter Olympics on its platforms.
- 3:24 PMThe Guardian Sport — BBC axes ‘iconic’ Ski Sunday winter sports show after nearly 50 years on TV
- 1:08 PMBBC Sport — Ski Sunday to end after nearly 50 years
"Corporation cites audience shifts and financial concerns Broadcaster under fire for football on TV decisions A staple of Sunday afternoon TV for almost 50 years, with an instantly recognisable theme tune, is being axed amid complaints that the BBC’s sports coverage continues to go downhill. New BBC head of sport Alex Kay-Jelski has been under fire of late and will certainly not have endeared himself to some of the licence-paying public who have enjoyed the coverage of winter sports on one of Britain’s longest-running sports shows with the news on Tuesday that Ski Sunday is being dropped. Continue reading...
"The BBC is to end its Ski Sunday programme after nearly 50 years.
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportSep 1, 2026, 3:24 PMBBC axes ‘iconic’ Ski Sunday winter sports show after nearly 50 years on TV
Corporation cites audience shifts and financial concerns Broadcaster under fire for football on TV decisions A staple of Sunday afternoon TV for almost 50 years, with an instantly recognisable theme tune, is being axed amid complaints that the BBC’s sports coverage continues to go downhill. New BBC head of sport Alex Kay-Jelski has been under fire of late and will certainly not have endeared himself to some of the licence-paying public who have enjoyed the coverage of winter sports on one of Britain’s longest-running sports shows with the news on Tuesday that Ski Sunday is being dropped. Continue reading...
- BBC SportSep 1, 2026, 1:08 PMSki Sunday to end after nearly 50 years
The BBC is to end its Ski Sunday programme after nearly 50 years.
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