BBC to end Ski Sunday after nearly 50 years

The BBC announced on 1 September 2026 that Ski Sunday, its long-running winter sports programme, will end after nearly 50 years.

First broadcast in 1978, Ski Sunday showcased winter sports highlights on BBC Sport and was described as featuring the best of winter sports action; Ed Leigh and Chemmy Alcott were its most recent presenting team, with Chemmy Alcott becoming the show's lead co-presenter alongside Ed Leigh in 2021.

"Changing audience behaviours and the tough financial decisions needed to meet savings requirements mean BBC Sport must continually review how it delivers value for licence fee payers and serves audiences across all platforms. This decision forms part of that process," said a BBC Sport statement.

Philip Bernie, head of BBC Sport events, said Ski Sunday "has been a truly iconic programme".

He added: "Generations of viewers have enjoyed its coverage of the best in winter sports. "We are enormously proud of the role it has played in bringing these moments to audiences across the UK, and extremely grateful to the brilliant people who have delivered them, not least the current outstanding team."

He also said: "These decisions are never easy, but as audience viewing habits evolve and we work to deliver value for licence fee payers, we have to make tough choices."

Bernie said the broadcaster will continue to prioritise winter sport coverage and stated: "We remain committed to bringing audiences the very best of winter sport, above all at the Winter Olympics, across BBC Sport's platforms."