Chris Hughes has firmly dismissed allegations that his departure from ITV Racing stemmed from a pay dispute, instead revealing he offered to work the Cheltenham Festival for free. The former presenter broke his silence after racing commentator Neil Watson referenced the alleged wage row in a social media post.
Social Media Exchange Clarifies Departure
Neil Watson had criticised ITV for parting ways with Hughes, suggesting it was due to the presenter requesting higher wages. Watson tweeted: "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!"
Hughes quickly responded to set the record straight, stating: "Just FYI, press reports were not true around this. 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."
Watson Apologises for Misinformation
Watson promptly apologised for spreading incorrect information, tweeting: "My apologies for saying anything which wasn't true about that Chris. Hope nothing I said caused offence or embarrassment. You're a decent guy who loves his racing and I'm sorry if I got the story concerning your ITV departure wrong."
Hughes responded graciously, bearing no ill will towards Watson's remarks: "No course not mate, it was in the press so you're entitled to believe what you want, I've just never spoken about it before as I don't react to things they write. Fish and chip paper days later! But was nothing to do with asking for more, just told I'm part of the cost cut."
Background to the Departure
Chris Hughes ceased working for ITV Racing shortly after his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in 2025, where he finished in sixth place. His absence from this year's Cheltenham Festival had sparked speculation about the reasons behind his departure from the broadcaster.
In April 2025, widespread reports suggested Hughes had left ITV over a pay dispute, but the presenter has now clarified these reports were inaccurate. He emphasised that cost-cutting measures across ITV's sports department, including preparations for the European football championships, led to his removal from the racing coverage team.
Recent Broadcasting Changes
This revelation comes after Hughes also left his position at BBC Sport in August 2025, following four years as the face of their coverage of the Hundred cricket competition. England cricketers Alex Hartley and Isa Guha joined the presenting team in his place.
A BBC source explained the decision at the time, saying: "Chris has done a good job for four years, but we're going in a different direction. There will be more focus on the cricket this year, rather than promoting the Hundred as an entertainment show."
Current Cheltenham Festival Presenters
Watson's original criticism referenced his lack of enthusiasm for GK Barry and Calfreezy - whose real name is Callum Airey - taking on presenting roles at Cheltenham alongside Oli Bell. This comment sparked the exchange that led to Hughes clarifying the circumstances of his ITV departure.
ITV has been contacted for comment regarding Hughes's statements about cost-cutting measures and his offer to work for free. The broadcaster has made significant changes to its racing presentation team ahead of this year's festival.
