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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.
NATALIE SAWYER has thanked fans for their support during a tough period in which she left Sky Sports News.
The journalist finished her final shift on Thursday, calling an end to 18 years on the show.
Sky Sports Natalie Sawyer admitted 'it has not been an easy couple of weeks' after leaving Sky Sports News
Sawyer, who will now pursue other challenges, made no farewells and her departure was not mentioned.
But today the SunSport columnist tweeted: "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."
Sawyer was one of the longest serving reporters on Sky Sports News and was promoted to become the face of Transfer Deadline Day alongside co-presenter Jim White.
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
SunSport columnist Natalie Sawyer joined the company 18 years ago and has worked her last shift
PA:Empics Sport There was no word of Natalie Sawyer's exit on her final appearance on the show
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Colleagues are thought to be upset by her shock exit.
The Daily Mail claim Sawyer was denied a new contract by Sky Sports because she wanted more opportunity away from the autocue.
Sawyer continued: "Keep watching SSN - there are some amazing people there!
"Hopefully see you all soon x"
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Supportive comments from several of Sawyer's 276,000 Twitter following came in response to her tweet.
Mark Hillman wrote: "Gutted to see you go Natalie definitely Sky Sports loss."
You could ask itv about Saturday night takeaway, not such a big stretch . . Nat and Dec's etc etc . . Just a thought 🤔😉😂 — Brian Moore (@BriMoo9) March 31, 2018
Gutted to see you go Natalie definitely Sky Sports loss. — Mark Hillman (@markhillman2) March 31, 2018
Good luck for the future Natalie, can't understand why they would get rid of one of their best presenters! Onto better things for you I think x — IG: _celeb_fan 20K+ (@_celeb_fan) March 31, 2018
We love you Natalie. You'll always work whatever the weather. — michael greco (@MichaelGreco2) March 31, 2018
MUTV please — Mat Barlow (@mat_barlow1975) March 31, 2018
Don’t know what’s gone on! Great presenter! Great job! Hope to see you back doing what you do best soon! — Bryn Shurgold (@BrynShurgold) March 31, 2018
Take care Natalie. Hope to see you back on the tv soon. X — Jamie Hall (@albertsaints) March 31, 2018
Michael Greco added: "We love you Natalie. You'll always work whatever the weather."
And user Brian Moore even suggested she become part of a double act with Declan Donnelly following co-presenter Ant McPartlin's drink driving shame.
He joked: "You could ask ITV about Saturday Night Takeaway, not such a big stretch... Nat and Dec's etc etc... Just a thought 🤔😉😂"
Sky Sports yesterday confirmed: "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."
Sawyer was previously married to Sky Sports News colleague Sam Matterface and together they have a son called Sawyer who was born in 2012.
The pair divorced in 2014.
