BBC take popular show off air as presenter makes ‘very sad’ announceme | Football | Sport
BBC commentator Alistair Bruce-Ball has revealed that the FPL pod, also known as Fantasy 606, has been taken off air by the broadcaster. The presenter made the ‘very sad’ announcement following the launch of Fantasy Premier League ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Bruce-Ball linked up with Chris Sutton and Statman Dave each gameweek to discuss everything FPL, recording 108 episodes that are still available on BBC Sounds. The news comes after it emerged last month that the BBC will commission up to 150 fewer hours of programmes by the end of the 2027/28 financial year.
It was also reported that chief content officer Kate Phillips told staff that between 350 and 400 hours of audio content would be cut.
Bruce-Ball paid tribute to his colleagues and his audience when paying tribute to Fantasy 606. He said: “With the new season of #FPL about to launch I’m very sad to say that Fantasy 606, more recently the FPL pod from BBC Sport, will not be returning @chris_sutton73 @StatmanDave & I absolutely loved doing it and it’s our amazing listeners’ contributions who really made it.
“Thank you for listening, for sending your e-mails, your poems, your songs and for managing the listeners’ teams – we are really going to miss it! A huge thank you to our brilliant producers – Kelleigh, Grace, Chris, Jamie, Joe, Harrison, Jack, Emily, Metin, Elliot, Michael. But the biggest thank you from me is to Clough, Taylor and Dave for making the last 6 years a right good laugh.
“I’ll keep the BBC Sport league going and will post the code once that is up and running. So for the very last time it’s good luck Chris and it’s good luck Dave.”
Former Blackburn Rovers and Celtic striker Chris Sutton offered a similar message. He said: “Sad news about Fantasy 606.
“Huge thank you to all the competitors and listeners and contributors and emails. Well done to Bruce and Dave for their patience and excellence. Well done to Clough and Taylor for finishing as winners. Good luck to you all next season.”
A number of the podcast’s fans reacted to the decision. “Sad to hear it, I enjoy the nonsense every week.” said one supporter.
“This is such a shame! A brilliant podcast. What a strange decision by whoever’s made it” another social media user commented.
A further fan said: “This is terrible news this was my must listen to podcast.”
“Ah man, we will miss hearing your FPL opinions,” said another. “Its been some journey and you guys did an amazing job.
“I’m absolutely gutted to read this!” exclaimed a fan. “I’ve had a number of health issues over the last 18 months & listening to you guys has really helped lift my mood.”
