Chris Hughes denies ITV Racing dispute and says he ‘offered to work for free’

Chris Hughes has hit back at claims he left ITV Racing over a pay dispute, revealing he offered to work Cheltenham Festival for free

Chris Hughes has dismissed claims he was axed from ITV because he requested more money to present the Cheltenham Festival. In April 2025, it was widely reported he had departed the broadcaster over a pay dispute.

He ceased working for ITV Racing shortly after his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, which saw him finish in sixth place. Whilst it’s been over a year since he stopped working for the company, horse racing commentator Neil Watson criticised ITV for parting ways with Hughes and referenced the alleged pay row.

The racing voice admitted he wasn’t particularly impressed with GK Barry and Calfreezy – whose real name is Callum Airey – taking on presenting roles at Cheltenham alongside Oli Bell. After Watson raised the alleged pay dispute, Hughes took to social media and refuted the claim.

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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!”

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After seeing this tweet, Hughes said: “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 swiftly apologised to Hughes in a subsequent tweet, stating: “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 bore no ill will towards Watson’s remarks, responding: “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.”

ITV have been contacted for comment. In August 2025, Hughes left his position at BBC Sport, after four years as the face of their coverage of the Hundred cricket competition, with England cricketers Alex Hartley and Isa Guha joining the presenting team in his place.

A source from the BBC explained the decision to the Sun 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.”