3amCelebrity NewsSue BarkerSue Barker had a glittering tennis career over the years and became a credible voice of the BBC when covering the Wimbledon and now she admits she 'didn't want to leave' the broadcaster16:28, 05 Jul 2026At the height of her career, Sue Barker won the Grand Slam title in the French open and reached the semi-final at Wimbledon. And while she dedicated her life to the sport, her personal life was also a subject of discussion after a brief romance with iconic singer Cliff Richard.‌But following the demise of their relationship after a few months, Sue, 70, met and married Lance Tankard in 1988 who was a policeman turned garden landscaper.‌Sue started broadcasting for the BBC covering Wimbledon since 1993 until she claimed she felt forced into making a decision to quit the broadcaster in order to leave with integrity.‌And now, following her arrival at centre court to watch Andy Murray's farewell match at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, she has finally opened up on her heart-breaking decision.As she walked on to the court she was warmly greeted by fans after coming out of retirement to interview the legendary tennis player. Turning to the crowd she said: "I couldn't miss this. I was not going to miss this, I tell you."‌Since her rare appearance she has now admitted that she would do anything to return to her coveted role with the BBC. When asked her thoughts on wanting to return she told us: "Yes, I would. I loved it."She added: "I loved the people and I didn't want to leave. But you start hearing rumours of what is happening and (the BBC) obviously wants the next generation, and when you start hearing those rumours you think, 'Maybe it's time to get out while they still want me rather than being shoved out of the back door.'"After she quit four years ago a list of replacement names were thrown into the mix. At the time, those names included Clare Balding, Qasa Alom and Isa Guha.‌In a separate interview with the Telegraph, she said she felt her time as the lead presenter was coming to an end. She told the publication: "I just sensed that, as you get older, you've got not many years left. And when you're hearing that they're having meetings about who's to replace you…"And although she offered a contract extension she felt as though she would be eased out in order to make the transition a smooth one.She continued: "Although they offered me a contract, I suddenly thought over those three years, will it be a case of, 'We'll just diminish Sue's role a little so that the transition is slightly easier.' And I didn't want to be diminished. 'd rather go out doing the top job."Article continues belowLike this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Sue BarkerWimbledonBBC