BBC Sport is set to bid farewell to an "iconic" seasonal programme after nearly 50 years18:22, 09 Sep 2026Updated 18:24, 09 Sep 2026A former BBC star has slammed the broadcaster's decision to axe a popular show.‌Earlier this month, it was revealed that the BBC had axed Ski Sunday after nearly 50 years on air. The winter sports show has been on our screens since 1978, but will not return.‌It was last broadcast in February ahead of the Winter Olympic Games, and has been presented by Chemmy Alcott and Ed Leigh in recent years. Just days after the announcement, former presenter Graham Bell has hit out at the decision to axe the "iconic" show.‌Graham, who also works as a leading motivational speaker with The Champions Speaker Agency, said that he was "sad to see the passing of an iconic show that shaped my life in so many ways". He also looked back on watching the programme as a young ski racer who would dream of racing some of the skiing greats, including Franz Klammer.Graham went on to praise David Vine as host, before reflecting on his own experience leading the programme. "It was undoubtedly the best job in the world," he concluded, reports the Express.‌"Although I moved to commentary in 2021, I still very much enjoyed being part of the show. To see it axed is a sad day for British skiiing and a sad day for the BBC."Announcing the news in a statement earlier this month, BBC Sport said: "Following careful consideration, BBC Sport has decided to say farewell to Ski Sunday, ending a remarkable run over nearly five decades. Since its debut in 1978, Ski Sunday has become an iconic part of the winter sports calendar, bringing the excitement, drama and beauty of the action on the snow to audiences across the UK."Throughout its long run, the programme has played a key role in showcasing outstanding athletes and telling the biggest snow sport stories.‌"The success and longevity of Ski Sunday is a testament to the extraordinary people who have worked on the programme throughout its history, both on screen and behind the scenes. Their brilliance, passion, expertise and dedication have made the programme a trusted and much-loved destination for winter sports fans."The BBC then explained that changing audience behaviours and tough financial decisions to meet savings requirements led to the decision to axe Ski Sunday. However, BBC Sport will continue to showcase the biggest winter sports moments, including at the Winter Olympics.Content cannot be displayed without consentArticle continues belowPhilip Bernie, head of BBC Sport Events, said: "Ski Sunday has been a truly iconic programme and a much-loved part of BBC Sport's output for many years. 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 concluded: "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. We remain committed to bringing audiences the very best of winter sport, above all at the Winter Olympics, across BBC Sport's platforms."