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Natalie Sawyer breaks silence after sudden Sky Sports News departure
As classy as it gets.
Natalie Sawyer would have every right to be upset by the abrupt nature of her Sky Sports News departure this week.
Sports fans were shocked when it was reported that one of the most popular presenters had completed her final shift with the TV station.
Sawyer, who had worked for Sky for 18 years, finished her shift on Wednesday afternoon as normal but little did viewers know that it would be the last they'd see of her on the channel.
It was claimed that the 38-year-old had been told earlier this month that her contract with the broadcaster would not be renewed but the reason for that decision was initially unknown.
However, according to the Daily Mail, the decision was reached because "expectations differed over her role."
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It's been reported that Sawyer wanted to pursue other opportunities away from the news desk and Sky Sports were not keen on opening up those avenues to her.
On Saturday afternoon, Sawyer broke her silence by offering her thanks to those who have wished her well over the past few days.
And, ever the class act, she urged those who had threatened to boycott Sky Sports News due to the lack of on-air acknowledgement of Sawyer's contribution to the channel over the years to continue watching.
Been away the last few days, have I missed anything??...
Seriously, thank you for all your kind messages. It’s not been an easy couple of weeks but your support has meant the world to me.
Keep watching SSN - there are some amazing people there! Hopefully see you all soon x — Natalie Sawyer (@nataliesawyer) March 31, 2018
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Sky Sports News presenter Natalie Sawyer has thanked fans for their support after being axed by the broadcaster.
Ms Sawyer finished her last shift on-air on Wednesday evening but there was no mention of her departure until details of it emerged on Thursday.
In a Twitter post on Saturday the popular host thanked fans and urged them to remain loyal to the broadcaster.
She said: “Been away the last few days, have I missed anything??... Seriously, thank you for all your kind messages.
“It’s not been an easy couple of weeks but your support has meant the world to me. Keep watching SSN - there are some amazing people there! Hopefully see you all soon x”
The 38-year-old is believed to have been told her contract would not be renewed earlier this month, according to The Times.
Sky Sports executives had told other presenters not to mention her exit on air, the newspaper reported.
She is one of the most popular television personalities at the forefront of Sky Sports News’ coverage for nearly two decades and has often fronted the Transfer Deadline Day show alongside Jim White.
A spokeswoman for the broadcaster told the Standard: “We’d like to thank Natalie for her many years of great service to Sky Sports and we wish her all the best in the future.”
Her exit is in stark contrast to that of Georgie Thompson, who was presented with a bouquet of flowers live on air, which led her to burst into tears during her final broadcast before leaving to join Sky Sports F1 in 2011.
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Natalie Sawyer has spoken out for the first time since leaving Sky Sports News.
The 38-year-old left her post as a presenter earlier this week but her departure was not mentioned on the programme.
Sawyer has now tweeted to say: "Been away the last few days, have I missed anything??... Seriously, thank you for all your kind messages. It’s not been an easy couple of weeks but your support has meant the world to me. Keep watching SSN - there are some amazing people there! Hopefully see you all soon x."
According to the Daily Mail, there were differences between Sawyer and the company over expectations related to her role.
Sawyer allegedly wanted more opportunities out in the field as opposed to the television studio and it is thought these were not reciprocated by Sky.
(Image: EMPICS Sport)
Sky are also reportedly undergoing cost-cutting measurements in preparation for it's proposed sale of the company to Fox.
Sawyer had been at the company for 18 years, often fronting Sky Sports News and Deadline Day coverage with Jim White.
She is rumoured to have wanted the chance to present footage such as the Masters golf from Augusta.
It has since been revealed that fellow presenter Kirsty Gallacher will be missing from the golf tournament for a second year in a row.
