ITV Sparks Outrage by Dropping Chris Hughes

bosses are facing a growing backlash from horseracing fans after the broadcaster dropped popular presenter from their coverage this year, only to replace him with influencer .

The former Love Island star has since revealed that the decision came as part of a cost-cutting drive across ITV’s sports coverage and that he had even offered to work ‘for free’ rather than lose the role.

Chris, 33, had built a respected reputation as a knowledgeable racing pundit after landing what he once described as his ‘dream job’ with ITV Racing in 2019.

But he was removed from the broadcaster’s line-up shortly after his appearance on last year, which saw him finish in sixth place.

GK Barry and star Calfreezy - whose real names are Grace Keeling and Callum Airey - have since taken on presenting duties from the famous Gloucestershire racecourse.

However, the pair have seemingly failed to win viewers over after Grace admitted she had come to the festival more for ‘the vibes’ than the racing.

One disgruntled viewer wrote on X: ‘Never heard of Goalkeeper Barry or Carl Freezer but this shows ITV made a real horlicks by getting rid of Chris Hughes because he quite rightly wanted a bit more in wages because he was actually very good at what he did and he knew his racing too!’

Chris himself replied to the comment to clarify the circumstances behind his departure.

He wrote: ‘I never once asked for more money, I was simply told they were cost cutting across sport, euros were coming up etc, and I was one of them that was removed to cost cut. I even offered to work for free at one of the festivals.’

Others questioned whether ITV had sacrificed genuine knowledge of the sport in favour of online celebrity.

One racing fan wrote: ‘I’m all for trying to get new people into racing @itvracing, but this was a big miss imo, there’s plenty of people in the public eye that atleast have an ounce of understanding.’

‘I think she called Lossiemouth a he at one stage. Not that they have to be experts but it’s just cringey to watch,’ they added.

Chris, who first , has long been known as a passionate horse racing fan.

Born and raised near Cheltenham, he has attended the famous festival since childhood.

He previously told the Daily Mail: ‘I have lived in the Cotswolds all my life and have always loved horses and racing.

‘I have been going to the Cheltenham Festival since I was 10 years old. Growing up near the track, you understand why the Festival is so special and why there is such a buzz about it.’

As well as presenting coverage for ITV Racing, Chris has ridden in a charity race at York and occasionally rides out for his local trainer Jonjo O’Neill.

During his time with the broadcaster, he co-hosted coverage of some of racing’s biggest events, including the Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot. He was also a regular presenter on ITV Racing Social Stable alongside Oli Bell, who remains a host on the channel.

Away from racing, Chris has also attracted attention for his personal life.

He is currently dating American singer and television personality JoJo Siwa, whom he met while .

The pair confirmed their relationship shortly after the show, with JoJo recently to mark the special day.

She captioned the post: '9 months with my favourite boy (Clyde's favourite too),' alongside a white love heart emoji.