Why Paddy McGuinness Keeps Landing BBC Jobs Despite Flops – Insider Reveals Three Female Execs ‘Obsessed’ With Star

Killing off two primetime shows might normally end a presenter’s career. Yet Paddy McGuinness continues to secure high-profile roles at the BBC, even after the collapse of A Question Of Sport and the troubled reboot of Top Gear.

This week it was announced that McGuinness would host the reboot of the 90s snooker-themed game show Big Break which has been off air for 24 years
This week it was announced that McGuinness would host the reboot of the 90s snooker-themed game show Big Break which has been off air for 24 years

Hired to be the Beeb’s new golden boy, McGuinness replaced the beloved Sue Barker on A Question Of Sport and took on Top Gear. While the latter’s downfall was complicated, A Question Of Sport was axed after just two series, with ratings dropping from four million in 2021 to just 800,000 in 2023.

McGuinness, 52, was unveiled to much fanfare on Tuesday along with seven-time world snooker champion Stephen Hendry
McGuinness, 52, was unveiled to much fanfare on Tuesday along with seven-time world snooker champion Stephen Hendry

Despite this, secret meetings dubbed Project Paddy were held at BBC Studios to find him a new show. According to insiders, three senior female executives are so dedicated to McGuinness that they are jokingly referred to as “Paddy’s harem,” pushing him into opportunities like Strictly Come Dancing (which failed) and ultimately securing him the reboot of the 90s snooker-themed game show Big Break alongside seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry.

McGuinness will take the hosting role previously held by the now cancelled comedian Jim Davidson (left), while Hendry will take over the late snooker pro John Virgo’s (right) role of displaying trick shots
McGuinness will take the hosting role previously held by the now cancelled comedian Jim Davidson (left), while Hendry will take over the late snooker pro John Virgo’s (right) role of displaying trick shots
Friends told me McGuinness made his former spouse sign a non-disclosure agreement to stop her talking about their marriage – though he strenuously denies this (pictured in 2018)
Friends told me McGuinness made his former spouse sign a non-disclosure agreement to stop her talking about their marriage – though he strenuously denies this (pictured in 2018)
‘Forget the fact that people don’t seem to like watching him on the television, and that he literally killed Question of Sport and contributed to the end of Top Gear, they think he is the best thing ever to land at the BBC,' says one source who knows the female trio
‘Forget the fact that people don’t seem to like watching him on the television, and that he literally killed Question of Sport and contributed to the end of Top Gear, they think he is the best thing ever to land at the BBC,’ says one source who knows the female trio
McGuinness co-presented Top Gear alongside former cricket star Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris from 2019 to 2022
McGuinness co-presented Top Gear alongside former cricket star Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris from 2019 to 2022

BBC bosses believed McGuinness’s “laddy” image, highlighted by his muscular appearance on the cover of Men’s Health, would attract male viewers. Yet many colleagues expressed bewilderment over his continued appointments, especially after his very public divorce from Christine and links to former Sky Sports host Kirsty Gallacher.

McGuinness hosted the BBC game show I Can See Your Voice in 2022 alongside Alison Hammond (centre left), Jimmy Carr (L) and Amanda Holden (R)
McGuinness hosted the BBC game show I Can See Your Voice in 2022 alongside Alison Hammond (centre left), Jimmy Carr (L) and Amanda Holden (R)

The secret to his ongoing success lies with the trio of women backing him. Suzy Lamb, managing director of all entertainment shows at BBC Studios, pushed him into Top Gear and A Question Of Sport. Creative director-turned-executive Sumi Connock, who knew him from Take Me Out, championed him for Big Break. Finally, Amelia Brown, chief executive at Fremantle — producer of shows like Britain’s Got Talent and I Can See Your Voice — ensured he quickly landed new roles after flops, describing him as “very, very lucky.”

Despite public perception of McGuinness as a polarizing figure, insiders say the female trio’s admiration is unwavering. “Forget the ratings flops and criticism,” one source said. “They adore him and think he’s the best thing ever to land at the BBC.”

Whether it’s charm, loyalty, or sheer luck, McGuinness’s BBC career proves resilient — and heavily supported by three executives who continue to open doors for him, no matter the setbacks.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/

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