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sports13h ago
Fury after Chris Hughes replaced by GK Barry at Cheltenham Festival
- ITV drops Chris Hughes from Cheltenham coverage and replaces him with GK Barry due to cost-cutting across ITV sports.
- Hughes says the decision came as part of cost cutting across ITV sport and euros, and that he was one of those removed.
- Barry and Calfreezy have taken on presenting duties at Cheltenham, drawing mixed reactions from fans.
- Fans criticized the change, with some saying genuine racing knowledge was sacrificed for online fame.
- Hughes clarified that he never asked for more money, saying he was told to cost-cut and was removed.
- Hughes says he offered to work for free at one of the festivals to keep his role.
- GK Barry and Calfreezy are seen as bringing influencer appeal but face viewer scrutiny.
- Hughes' departure is tied to a broader budget move within ITV sports coverage.
- Hughes had built a reputation as a knowledgeable racing pundit since 2019 with ITV Racing.
- The Cheltenham Festival lineup change has sparked viewer debate about expertise vs. celebrity.
- Barry's real name is Grace Keeling; Calfreezy's real name is Callum Airey.
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