Ex-Love Island star Chris Hughes ‘spoken to’ by BBC over Barbie remark to female cricketer

Former Love Island star Chris Hughes has been told by the BBC it was “not appropriate” to compare a female cricket player to Barbie during a pitchside interview.

The ticking off came in response to a comment made by the now sports presenter while he was speaking with Australian all-rounder Maitlan Brown at The Hundred competition on Wednesday, following her team Southern Braves’ win over Trent Rockets.

The 26-year-old revealed she had been to see the Barbie movie with her teammates.

She said: “It was really good team bonding and the group is gelling really well together.”

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

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

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In response, 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.