BBC warns ITV Love Island's Chris Hughes over Barbie comment

The BBC told former Love Island star Chris Hughes that his Barbie comment while presenting The Hundred on BBC Two was “not appropriate” <i>(Image: PA News Agency)</i>
The BBC told former Love Island star Chris Hughes that his Barbie comment while presenting The Hundred on BBC Two was “not appropriate” (Image: PA News Agency)
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A Love Island star has been told his comments were “not appropriate” by the BBC.

Former ITV reality star Chris Hughes was involved in the BBC’s coverage of The Hundred when he compared a female cricket player to Barbie.

Hughes, who is now a sports presenter, was conducting a BBC Two pitch-side interview with Australian all-rounder Maitlan Brown at The Hundred on Wednesday following her team Southern Braves’ win over Trent Rockets, when the incident happened.

The 26-year-old said she had been to see the Barbie movie with her team-mates, explaining: “it was really good team bonding and the group is gelling really well together.”

Hughes, who first found fame on ITV2 reality show Love Island, replied: “You’re a little Barbie yourself with your blue eyes.”

Romford Recorder: Chris Hughes is involved in the BBC's coverage of The Hundred this summerChris Hughes is involved in the BBC's coverage of The Hundred this summer (Image: PA)

After Brown laughed, Hughes added: “She’s blushing now”.

In response to the incident a BBC spokesperson said: “We have spoken to Chris and explained that his comment was not appropriate.”

As well as the Southern Braves, Brown has played for several domestic Australian teams as well as receiving call-ups to the full Australia squad.

In addition to presenting coverage of The Hundred, Hughes has also worked on ITV’s horse racing programmes.

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