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    Watch BBC pundit Denise Lewis jump up and down and smack back of sofa live on TV during emotionally charged race

    DENISE LEWIS jumped up and down and smacked the back of the sofa as she watched Josh Kerr pick up World Championship gold in the 1500 metres.Kerr raced to win unlikely gold for Britain in a race that no one really gave him a chance in.
    Lewis switched between watching the race and live and on a monitor as she roared on Josh KerrCredit: BBC Sport
    Michael Johnson also supported the Brit in his bid for goldCredit: BBC SPORT
    Going into the 1500 metres, the overwhelming favourite for the race was Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigtsen.
    But Kerr kept pace with Ingebrigtsen throughout, and kicked on in the last 200m to finish strongly and take gold.
    An emotional Kerr said after the race: “It’s been a long time coming. It’s quite an overwhelming experience. But I’m so proud of myself, my team and my family.
    “I didn’t feel like I ran my best race either. I just threw my whole 16 years of this sport into that last 200m and didn’t let up to the end.
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    “It was fast early but I stayed calm. I knew I was capable of a world championship gold medal for GB so I’m very glad to add to that medal count.”
    Supporting Kerr’s victory on from the punditry box was Denise Lewis alongside Michael Johnson.
    Lewis was seen switching between her view from the punditry box and her view of a monitor showing the race as she jumped up and down to support Kerr.
    As he crossed the line, she was seen slapping the back of the sofa with excitement.
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    Fans on Twitter were quick to praise the passion shown by Lewis in supporting Kerr in the race, with one fan saying: “Love Denise! There were similar scenes in our house. Well done Josh Kerr!! Great race.”
    While another wrote: “Love the passion , need more Denise Lewis in this world!”
    A third wrote: “Denise Lewis is the best of us”
    Fans also praised Michael Johnson’s reaction who was cheering Kerr onto victory despite his American allegiances.
    One fan wrote: “MJ is basically an honorary Brit now.”
    And another added: “When you have an American In the Race I though Micheal Johnson’s reactions were brilliant.”
    Reflecting on his win in an interview with the BBC, Kerr said: “You can see from my face that I’m throwing everything I had at this guy. We were both fighting.
    “I wanted this for my whole life. I made sure I pumped all the way home. I’m so happy.
    “With 50m to go I kind of broke him. It was just about holding form at that point. I’ve had bronze but gold is a lot sweeter.”
    Kerr, who needed to use his elbows to barge rivals out of the way in the early laps, wears Oakley sunglasses as part of a lucrative contract.
    Read More on The Sun
    The US-based athlete will now head to the Paris 2024 Olympics as the reigning world champion – and what a final that promises to be in the French capital. More

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    World Athletics Championships commentators: Who is on the panel for the competition?

    THE 2023 World Athletics Championships are underway, with much excitement surrounding the huge sporting event.The 2023 games, held in Budapest, mark the nineteenth edition of the championships, but the first time they have been held in Hungary.
    The World Athletics Championships 2023 are taking place in Budapest, HungaryCredit: Sam Mellish/Getty Images
    Who are the commentators for the World Athletics Championships?
    Luckily for athletics fans, the BBC are providing extensive coverage of the World Athletics Championships.
    The broadcaster has gathered a star-studded panel of former athletes and specialists to share their expertise across the competition.
    The World Athletics Championships 2023 conclude on August 27, 2023.
    Much of the action is being streamed live online on the BBC Sport website and app.
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    Steve Cram
    Steve Cram is one of the commentators at the 2023 World Athletics Championships
    Steve Cram, CBE is a retired track and field athlete.
    In 1985, he set world records in the 1,500 m, 2,000 m, and the mile.
    Cram won gold in the 1,500m at the 1983 World games, before going on to take home the silver medal at the 1984 Olympic Games.
    After retiring from athletics in 1994 Cram moved in to a career in television, acting as an athletics commentator for BBC Sport.
    Most read in Athletics
    In his role as commentator, Cram has covered events like the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
    Paula Radcliffe
    Marathon star Paula Radcliffe is one of the BBC commentators at the athletics competition
    Paula Radcliffe is a former long-distance runner who is a three-time winner of the London Marathon.
    She has also won the New York Marathon three times and the Chicago Marathon once.
    Radcliffe represented Team GB at four consecutive Olympic games (1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008) but didn’t bring home a medal.
    She did, however, win gold in the marathon at the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki.
    Since ending her competitive running career after the 2015 London Marathon, Radcliffe has occasionally worked as a commentator for the BBC, covering events such as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
    Steve Backley
    Commentator Steve Backley is a former Olympic medal winner
    Steve Backley, OBE is a retired British track and field athlete who competed in the javelin throw.
    He won many accolades throughout his career, including two silvers and a bronze at the Olympic Games, and two silvers at the World Championships.
    Backley set a javelin throwing world record of 89.58m in Stockholm, Sweden in July 1990.
    He last competed in 2004 at the Olympics in Athens, Greece.
    Since retiring from athletics, Backley has appeared on the 2008 edition of ITV’s Dancing on Ice.
    He has also worked as a commentator for the BBC.
    Andrew Cotter
    Andrew Cotter has been a sports broadcaster for over two decades
    Andrew Cotter is a Scottish sports broadcaster who has worked with the BBC for various sporting events.
    He started his career with Edinburgh-based radio station Scot FM, before relocating to London to work with BBC Radio 5 Live and Sky News.
    Throughout his career he commentated both rugby and golf events, covering major competitions like The Six Nations, the Rugby World Cup, the Masters Tournament, and The Open Championship.
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    During the pandemic, Cotter went viral for posting adorable videos of his dogs, Olive and Mabel, online.
    He has since written two books about his pets; Olive, Mabel & Me: Life and Adventures with Two Very Good Dogs, and Dog Days: A Year with Olive & Mabel. More

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    BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones stuns in leather trousers live on TV as she gives behind-scenes-look at show

    BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones stunned in a pair of leather trousers while working at the rugby league on Monday night.The 33-year-old hosted Viaplay’s coverage of the Betfred Championship alongside former player Kevin Brown and active star Ryan Brierley.
    Emma Louise Jones wore leather trousers while presenting the Betfred ChampionshipCredit: Instagram @ eljonesuk
    Emma gave a behind-the-scenes look at ViaPlay’s rugby league coverageCredit: Instagram @ eljonesuk
    She was anchoring the show – which aired the game between Whitehaven and Barrow Raiders.
    And Emma, who also works on the BBC’s MOTDx alongside Jermaine Jenas, shared Brierley’s Instagram story which showed her donning a pair of leather trousers.
    Jones also gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in the background while she is presenting.
    She posted a video of the production team hard at work, adding the caption: “Doing the job I love with wonderful people. In pinch myself, I really do.”
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    The presenter then shared another clip of the producers talking to her as she closed the show.
    And she said: “In case you’ve ever wondered what a presenter hears at the end of a show when they’re taking it off air.
    “This is the producer who is giving me a countdown in my ear and I have to get us off air in the final second, otherwise I’m in trouble.”
    Emma has worked for the BBC since 2021, having previously presented on Leeds TV.
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    Emma also presents for the BBC on MOTDxCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
    She made her name as a broadcaster for Leeds TVCredit: Twitter / @eljonesuk
    Emma has built up a substantial following on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
    She has excelled working as a host on MOTDx – but her high-profile roles have unfortunately led to her having to deal with vile online trolls.
    Last month, she spoke about how she was “repeatedly stopped by the same man trying to take pictures of her”.
    In one instance, she brilliantly shut down a troll by posting a screenshot of their tweet alongside the caption: “Alexa, what does a virgin look like?”
    She has 400,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
    Emma has been forced to deal with vile trolls onlineCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk More

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    Women’s World Cup presenter, 32, announces pregnancy after fertility struggles and says ‘I never thought I’d be a mum’

    FOOTBALL presenter Kelly Somers has announced she is pregnant with her first child.The 32-year-old – who has appeared on the BBC, talkSPORT, Premier League Productions and Optus Sport – declared the news one day after the Women’s World Cup final.
    Somers has announced she is pregnant with her first childCredit: Getty
    She also opened up about her pregnancy journey and battle with fertility issues.
    In an interview with OK!, Somers said: “I never, ever thought I would get to be a mum.
    “I’ve grown up thinking it wouldn’t be possible. I’ve had so many problems, so I just feel incredibly fortunate.
    “At my age, everyone knows someone who’s going through fertility problems or who has a bad story, and I always thought I was going to be one of those stories.”
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    The popular presenter also revealed she was diagnosed with endometriosis before doctors discovered she had polycystic ovaries in 2019.
    Somers added: “It was the biggest relief ever because it fitted and explained everything.
    “But then also, I knew you can’t cure it and it was going to be really hard to conceive.
    “So at the beginning of this year, Max (fiance) and I were thinking: ‘OK, it’s going to take years to have a baby. Let’s see what happens.'”
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    Somers, who is nearing her third trimester, recently returned to the UK after working at the Women’s World Cup for Australian channel Optus Sports.
    England suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Spain in the final on Sunday.
    But despite the defeat, Somers believes her baby will one day be able to look up to the Lionesses as role models.
    She added: “I’m excited that my baby is going to be born in a generation with the Lionesses as role models.” More

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    Mason Greenwood saga reveals shocking truths about Man Utd leadership, says Gary Neville – as striker axed

    MANCHESTER United legend Gary Neville has condemned the club for its “horrible” handling of the Mason Greenwood saga.The Sky Sports pundit and ex-Red Devils captain tonight said Greenwood’s newly-announced exit exposed leadership failures at the Old Trafford club.
    Gary Neville has accused his old club Manchester United of failing to be ‘strong’Credit: PA
    Mason Greenwood’s United exit is finally the ‘right decision’, Neville saysCredit: Getty
    Former England international Neville said it was the “right decision” to announce this afternoon Greenwood would be leaving United.
    But he told Monday Night Football on Sky Sports tonight the six-month process ahead of the announcement was “pretty horrible”.
    And he accused club chiefs of failing to be “strong and authoritative”.
    His intervention came after the BBC’s Match Of The Day host and ex-Three Lions skipper Gary Lineker broke his silence on the news.
    Read More On Manchester United
    Lineker posted on X, formerly named Twitter, how he felt United’s move was the “inevitable and right” end to an “untenable situation”.
    United today announced they had come to a “collaborative decision” with the 21-year-old forward that he would be moving on.
    But the club did not say whether his £75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or whether he would be put on loan or sold.
    Greenwood hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested in January last year on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
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    All charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remained suspended by United.
    Members of Manchester United Women’s team reportedly raised concerns about Greenwood returning to the training ground.
    Women’s charities have welcomed today’s decision and told of survivors’ “relief” but say more must be done by football clubs.
    The move was also tonight praised by Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing star Rachel Riley, who said last week she would stop supporting United if they allowed Greenwood back.
    UNITED ‘LACK STRONG LEADERSHIP’
    And when asked this evening about the development ahead of the Premier League derby between Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Neville criticised United officials for their handling of the situation.
    He said: “Yes, they have made the right decision and finally got there – however, the process of getting there has been pretty horrible.
    “When you have significant situations and difficult situations like this, you need strong and authoritative leadership and Manchester United don’t have that.”
    He also called for an “independent review” in similar situations of alleged violence against women.
    Neville added: “It should not be that Manchester United are the judge and jury on a significant situation – not only for themselves, but also for the game.
    “People talk about the representation of Manchester United, but it’s the Premier League as well.
    “My view is on issues of this importance and severity, they should be dealt with independently because it’s clear that Manchester United have not had the skill and ability to deal with this situation.
    “It’s been well above their experience and ability.”
    Greenwood’s last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham United, which United won 1-0.
    He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
    But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
    United said today they had taken into account the “wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible”.
    The club added: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material alleged did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged
    “That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
    “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.”
    GREENWOOD ACCEPTS HE ‘MADE MISTAKES’
    Greenwood also released a statement insisting he had not done what he was accused of but was “learning to understand” his “responsibilities as a professional footballer”.
    He added: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me and I know people will think the worst.
    “I was brought up to know that violence or abuse is wrong.
    “I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.
    “However, I fully accept I made mistakes.”
    He added: “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
    He was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
    United’s handling of the case prompted Old Trafford protests last weekCredit: Getty More

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    Gary Lineker breaks his silence on Mason Greenwood after striker was AXED from Man Utd – as club faces losing MILLIONS

    GARY Lineker has broken his silence on Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood decision, welcoming the end to an “untenable” situation.The Match Of The Day presenter and ex-Three Lions captain spoke out, as it emerged United face losing millions letting Greenwood go.
    Gary Lineker says the Greenwood decision was ‘inevitable and right’Credit: Getty
    Greenwood’s Old Trafford departure could cost Manchester United millionsCredit: Getty
    Former Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona star Lineker took to X, formerly called Twitter, to offer his thoughts on the Premier League club’s announcement Greenwood would be leaving.
    The BBC host shared the club’s statement and added: “Inevitable and right decision on an untenable situation.”
    United today announced they had come to a “collaborative decision” with the 21-year-old forward that he would be moving on.
    But the club did not say whether his £75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or whether he would be put on loan or sold.
    Read More On Mason Greenwood
    The Red Devils now face a scramble to get rid of Greenwood in just ten days or face losing millions.
    If United haven’t sold or loaned him out by September 1 when football’s summer transfer window closes, they could have to pay him millions to cancel his contract which is due to expire in 2025.
    They could only go beyond the deadline if Greenwood is picked up by a club in Saudi Arabia because their window closes on September 20.
    Recent expensive new recruits to the Saudi league include former United colleague Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as France’s Karim Benzema after leaving Real Madrid and PSG’s Brazilian forward Neymar.
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    Greenwood hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested in January last year on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    All charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remained suspended by United.
    Members of Manchester United Women’s team reportedly raised concerns about Greenwood returning to the training ground.
    Women’s charities have welcomed today’s decision and told of “relief” but say more must be done by football clubs.
    The move was also tonight praised by Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing star Rachel Riley, who said last week she would stop supporting United if they allowed Greenwood back.
    Posting on social media, she praised a Women’s Aid tweet as a “great statement” after the United announcement.
    The charity had posted: “We know that the news from @ManUtd this afternoon, that Mason Greenwood will be moving on from the club, will be a relief.
    “This case has brought back painful memories for many people.”
    Greenwood’s last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham United, which United won 1-0.
    He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
    But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
    United said today they had taken into account the “wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible”.
    The club added: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material alleged did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged
    “That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
    “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.”
    Greenwood also released a statement where he insisted he had not done what he was accused of but was “learning to understand my responsibilities as a professional footballer”.
    He added: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me and I know people will think the worst.
    “I was brought up to know that violence or abuse is wrong.
    “I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.
    “However, I fully accept I made mistakes.”
    He added: “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
    He was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
    Protests have been staged about United’s approach ahead of the Greenwood decisionCredit: Getty More

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    England women’s World Cup final is second-most watched event of 2023 but did BBC or ITV win viewing figures race?

    THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP final was the second-most watched event of 2023 so far.Viewing figures from the match between England and Spain have revealed that 12million people watched on BBC 1.
    Alex Scott and the BBC came out on top in the viewing figuresCredit: BBC Sport
    Laura Woods and ITV were dwarfed by the BBC’s viewing figuresCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
    According to the Daily Mail, Spain’s 1-0 win has only been trumped by one other event this year – the Coronation of King Charles III in May.
    Both the BBC and ITV provided coverage of the tournament, with both broadcasters airing Sunday’s final from Sydney.
    However, the BBC dwarfed ITV’s viewing figures for the match as just 2.46million average viewers saw Laura Woods host their coverage.
    Despite viewer complaints, more viewers tuned in to watch the Lionesses’ heart-breaking defeat on the BBC.
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    Across both channels, a combined 14.7million people watched the final minutes of the match as England went in search of an equaliser.
    The BBC, who’s line-up of presenters included ex-Lioness Alex Scott, also registered 25.7million stream requests across iPlayer and the BBC Sport webiste.
    Their numbers surpassed those of the Wimbledon men’s singles final earlier this summer.
    A peak audience of 11.3million viewers watched Carlos Alcaraz defeat Novak Djokovic back in July.
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    That was despite viewers complaining that they could hear a Spanish commentator during the BBC’s coverage of the match.
    Numerous complaints were made alleging they could be heard in the background as Robyn Cowen and ex-England star Rachel Brown-Finnis commentated on the match.
    Across the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, there were 25.7million streams on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
    This amounts to a 75% increase from the 2019 Women’s World Cup, which had 14.7million streams. More

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    England fans heartbroken as BBC’s Alex Scott chokes back tears and struggles to commentate as Lucy Bronze cries

    ENGLAND fans have been left heartbroken after seeing Alex Scott hold back tears during the BBC’s Women’s World Cup coverage.Scott struggled to commentate after the Lionesses were beaten by Spain in Sunday’s final.
    Lucy Bronze was seen crying after the Women’s World Cup finalCredit: BBC
    Alex Scott held back tears as she praised BronzeCredit: BBC
    Defender Lucy Bronze could also be seen crying as she walked round the pitch following the trophy presentation.
    Spain emerged 1-0 victors thanks to Olga Carmona’s first half goal, to the dismay of England fans back home.
    Cameras caught the moment Bronze’s emotions got the better of her during England’s lap of appreciation.
    She could be seen sobbing as the Lionesses applauded the crowd whilst Spain lifted the trophy.
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    Her former team-mate Scott held back tears herself as she praised the full-back’s performance.
    Scott hailed the Barcelona star as an “incredible person and player” as she called for someone to put their arm around her.
    England fans were equally heartbroken as they reacted on social media.
    One supporter tweeted: “Alex Scott crying commentating because Lucy Bronze is walking around the pitch crying. I can’t.”
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    Another added: “Alex Scott crying over the fact Lucy Bronze was crying is soooooo real.”
    Bronze and Scott were both members of the England squads for the 2013 and 2017 Euros, as well as the 2015 Women’s World Cup.
    Scott has gone into punditry since retiring in 2018 and has been a key part of the BBC’s coverage of the tournament. More