THE LEAD PRESENTER OF Channel 4′s world athletic championships coverage has been sidelined by bosses after a catalogue of on-screen errors.
Ortis Deley is best known to viewers as the face of The Gadget Show but was given the opportunity to front coverage of the biggest track and field event this year.
His on-air performance however as prompted complaints in ‘the low hundreds’ according to the station – as well as the obvious contempt of American Olympic great Michael Johnson.
His stilted delivery and reliance on the printed script – notwithstanding his habit at getting presenter and athlete names wrong – ultimately led to his demotion today.
Check out some of his links from South Korea:
Ortis Deley presenting masterclass by yidioh
Channel 4 chiefs say that the presenter will still be part of their broadcasts in Daegu. A statement reads: “Channel 4 is committed to developing new presenting talent and this extends to our coverage of sporting events.
“Ortis Deley’s role in Korea covering the world athletics has been scaled back but he will continue to be on air for the duration of the competition.
“In total we have a team of 10 commentators covering this event, from Michael Johnson and well-loved British athletes Dean Macey, Katherine Merry and Iwan Thomas to new presenters.”
