BBC viewers were left emotional over the weekend as Matt Baker paid a heartfelt tribute to his departing co-commentators, Christine Still and Craig Heap, during live coverage of the World Gymnastics Championships.
Matt returned to screens on Sunday (October 25) to present the concluding apparatus finals on the final day of the 2026 World Gymnastics Championships. He was joined in the studio by retired British gymnast Beth Tweddle.
Final Day of Competition in Rotterdam
Among the events taking place in Rotterdam was the women's floor discipline, where USA athlete Claire Pease won the title with a score of 13.866. Algeria's Kaylia Nemour took gold in the balance beam final, while Artur Davtyan, Zou Jingyuan, and Tang Chia-Hung claimed the final men's titles.
During the coverage, Matt announced that Christine Still and Craig Heap would be leaving the commentary team after many years on air. Ahead of the men's finals, he said: "I just want to take a moment to say a heartfelt and a massive thank you to two very special people, who are sitting either side of me right now."
Farewell to Long-Serving Commentators
Matt noted that Christine was one of the first female commentators BBC Sport has ever had, starting back in 1993, while Craig joined the team just before Rio in 2016. An emotional montage of their memorable moments was played before the camera panned to the commentary box.
Matt continued: "Christine, we have worked together for 20 years. You've been like a mum to me, you really have, as we've travelled all over the world together. And may I say, I've loved every single second." Turning to Craig, he said, "We've been friends for many, many years. I've loved your company, mate. Honestly, I'm so gonna miss you both, I really am."
Christine replied: "We'll miss you as well, Matt. I've been so lucky." Craig added: "All good things have to come to an end, I guess... I'm going to miss you all... I'll stop right there before I start crying."
Viewers React to the Tribute
BBC viewers shared their reactions on X, with one writing: "Gonna be so weird not hearing Christine Still and Craig Heap commentating on gymnastics on the BBC anymore." Another said, "Omg Craig and Christine are leaving," while a third commented, "I'm actually in tears. End of an era."
One viewer added: "I am gutted. Gutted the trio are no longer together." A fifth said: "That is so sad. I watch the gymnastics in the Olympic Games and not hearing their voices will be different... They will be missed." Coverage of the World Gymnastics Championships is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
