Fears for the voice of Wimbledon as Sue Barker falls ill with laryngitis while leading the tournament’s coverage for the last time before she retires

• Sue Barker, 66, revealed she was experiencing difficulty speaking with laryngitis
• Her last match will be held on July 10 after 30 years gracing the nation’s screens
• She had turned down an offer from the BBC to sign a three-year extension
• She previously revealed the death of her mother this year was a key factor

She has said this year’s Wimbledon will be her last time presenting the BBC’s coverage from SW19.

But Sue Barker may be forced into an early retirement after it emerged she is suffering from a bought of laryngitis.

Miss Barker, 66, revealed she was experiencing difficulty speaking and had a croaky voice, putting her final appearance in doubt.

The symptoms usually resolve on their own within two weeks, and she fulfilled her presenting quota yesterday.

When approached by the Mail, Miss Barker said in a whispering voice: ‘I’ve got laryngitis so I’m trying to save my voice [for broadcast].’

Sue Barker may be forced into an early retirement after it emerged she is suffering from a bought of laryngitis

Her last match is due to be the men’s final on July 10, after 30 years gracing the nation’s screens.

Miss Barker has also fronted BBC coverage of the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Grand National.

She had turned down an offer from the BBC to sign a three-year extension, and previously revealed the death of her mother aged 100 this year was a key factor.

She said: ‘My mum was always so interested in my broadcasting career and we would speak every evening.

‘When something like that happens it does make you reassess life, which is another reason I think this is the right time.’

A BBC spokesman said: ‘There are no plans for Sue to take a break and she’s poised for the Centre Court celebration [of its centenary] on Sunday.’

Share this article

Miss Barker, 66, revealed she was experiencing difficulty speaking and had a croaky voice, putting her final appearance in doubt. She is pictured above with Novak Djokovic after he won the Men’s Singles Final at Wimbledon in 2018

Source: Read Full Article