BT SPORT is scrapping its popular Score football show on Saturday afternoons.
From next season the channel will replace the seven-year-old programme, which is presented by Jules Breach and Darrell Currie, with new coverage as it rebrands as TNT after being taken over.
On-screen stars – including Chris Sutton and Robbie Savage – have been told of the shock move.
But anger has brewed after production staff working behind the scenes have not been put on formal notice.
SunSport understands a number of production crew could face the axe including on-screen talent as part of the new joint venture between BT and Warner Bros Discovery.
A spokesperson for Warner Bros Discovery Sports said: “Editorial reviews are undertaken as a matter of course in preparation for every new season.
“For next season, this includes considering the programming that will continue, as the channel becomes TNT Sports, and as part of the line-up supporting the same live sport fans enjoy on BT Sport today.
“As part of this process, we have confirmed to staff that BT Sport Score will not be continuing next season.”
A source told The Sun : “It was very awkward on set because the on-screen presenters were aware that Score has been kicked into touch next season.
“Everyone is in shock because Score has held its own and established itself against rival Saturday afternoon broadcasts on Sky Sports and BBC One.”
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Prem clashes on Saturday lunchtime on BT Sport can attract around one million viewers – with the majority continuing to tune in for Score as goals go in around the country.
The changes to programming come as the new joint venture is busy deciding on its content for next season and where best to invest.
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The channel is also switching studios from its current base in Stratford, East London, to a new smaller hub in Stockley Park near Heathrow, west of the capital.
A source said: “Fans next season enjoying live Premier League games on Saturday lunchtimes are not then going to stick around to watch something else.
“It’s a strange move to say the least. There is bound to be a clamour for Score’s presenters and in-studio guests, with a lot of celebs on other channels now looking over their shoulder.”
Presenting roles face a major shake-up as more than 200 employees who moved over to Warner Bros Discovery as part of BT Sports’ joint venture last year were told jobs will be dissolved.
Gutted workers will have to apply for another job at Warner Bros Discovery if they wish to stay.
Those who do not find a new role will be given redundancy, and the majority of those at risk are based at BT Sport’s base in Stratford, now that its lease has expired.
Warner Bros Discovery has stated that new roles have been created by the joint venture, and that BT Sport employees will be given priority for these vacancies.
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The cancellation of the Score show comes just weeks after Sky Sports announced Soccer AM will be axed at the end of the season.
The show has run for 30 years but will be cancelled and replaced by Saturday Social, which will focus more on the social media side of football.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
