Snooker legend Willie Thorne claims he has been left “speechless” after being told he won’t be brought back as a commentator for the UK Championship next month or the World Championship next year.
Willie was reportedly told yesterday that he’d been dropped from the BBC’s commentary team after thirty years, but has been given no explanation.
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“After over 30 years, the BBC have decided not to use me,” he told The Mirror. “I was simply told by the BBC that they wanted to change tack … I am almost speechless.”
He has been told to avoid saying too much, for fear of damaging his relationship with the broadcaster.
“It was income I was expecting before Christmas. I have been advised not to say too much as, if there was any chance of a comeback, it could make things worse.”
Willie – known to fans as “The Great WT” – will be kept on for the Welsh Open in February, but dropped from the UK and World Championships. The decision comes several months after Willie was given an official warning for dropping an f-bomb during this year’s World Championships.
While covering the Crucible match between Scots Stephen Maguire and Anthony McGill, he said, “When you ‘go’ here though, Pete, it is a [bleep] nightmare, this place.”
The BBC has claimed the decision comes as a result of their efforts to grow and change the style of their commentary. “This is an editorial decision, as our snooker coverage evolves,” their spokesperson said. “Willie has done a great job and we wish him well.”
Fans and colleagues reached out on twitter to condemn the decision.
Seven-time champion, and fellow commentator Stephen Hendry tweeted, “Gutted my friend @TheWillieThorne will not be at York and Sheffield #baddecision #knowledge,” to which Willie responded: “At least you will be able to get a word in now 😩😩”
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Snooker champion Ken Doherty tweeted, “@TheWillieThorne one of the best I’ve listened to and worked with over the years,The Great WT,you will be sorely missed #gutted,” while Joe Perry said, “Big mistake in my opinion!! Best of the oldies by miles😉😊”
One fan told Willie he was a “national treasure”, and the former player was grateful for his support.
The UK Championships are set to kick off on the 28th of November.