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Sue Barker to leave presenting role on BBC's Sports Personality of the Year

Sue Barker calls time on her 19-year stint as host of the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year show, according to Gary Lineker.

Sue Barker's time as presenter of the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year show has come to an end.

The 57-year-old, who hosts panel show A Question of Sport, has decided not to continue on with the role following a 19-year stint, but will be on the judging panel for this year's awards.

"It has been an honour to present BBC Sports Personality of the Year for the last 19 years and I have loved every minute of it," Barker told BBC Sport.

"The BBC have asked me to stay but I had made the decision to downsize my commitments a while ago and I knew that the time would be right after what was always set to be a magical 2012."

Gary Lineker, who hosts football and analysis show Match of the Day, wrote on Twitter: "After 19 years Sue Barker has decided to no longer present BBCSPOTY. I shall miss her enormously. A brilliant host and a wonderful person."

Barker, who was part of the BBC's coverage of the London 2012 Olympics, handed over her last SPOTY award to Sir Bradley Wiggins following his triumph at the Games and becoming the first Brit to win the Tour de France.

Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan are expected to share the presenting duties this year.

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