Wright quits as BBC pundit over ‘jester' role

The former England and Arsenal striker told Broadcast that the BBC's coverage of England games was too formal. “Times are changing. I don't know how long young people are going to want to sit down and watch that same old ‘jacket, shirt and tie' format,” he said.

He added that traditional TV football coverage was out of step with what fans want. He said: “They want people who are dressed like them. They've got no one to relate to and that's why I've said to them I don't want to do the England games any more.”

He also criticised the role he was asked to fulfil as a BBC pundit. Wright said: “I feel like I'm just there as a comedy jester to break the ice with Alan Shearer and Alan Hansen who just do run-of-the-mill things. I can't do that anymore. People want something different.”

In response, the BBC said: “We wish Ian Wright all the best in his career with Talk Sport.”

Wright recently signed up to present the return of Gladiators on Sky One this summer and presents Bowtime on Talk Sport radio alongside Adrian Durham.

After retiring from football in May 2000 he moved into presenting, joining the BBC in January 2001 and fronting shows such as I'd Do Anything, Friends Like These, Ian Wright - Surviving the Kalahari and The National Lottery Show.

He also fronted exercise campaign show Ian Wright's Unfit Kids for Channel 4.

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