Veteran BBC and ITV presenter Steve Rider has announced he will retire from broadcasting this summer, bringing to a close a remarkable 48-year career covering some of the biggest sporting events in the world.
The 74-year-old, known for his calm presence and authoritative voice, rose to prominence as the face of BBC’s Grandstand and went on to present coverage of rugby, golf, motorsport, rowing, and every Summer Olympic Games from 1988 to 2004. He later joined ITV in 2005, where he presented coverage of Formula One and major international football and rugby tournaments.
Speaking to MailOnline, Rider revealed his final job will take place in June 2025, though he plans for a low-key farewell. “I’ll just slide away,” he said.
“Don’t c**k it up!”
Reflecting on his long career, Rider joked: “The biggest emotion as you get into the last two minutes of something like that is, ‘For God’s sake, don’t c**k it up,’ because you’d be thinking about that for the next 20 years!”
He added, “I’ve probably outstayed my welcome. I’ve been hugely lucky with the places that the career has taken me. But it’s close to 50 years now, so the cracks are showing!”
A Career of Sporting Milestones
Rider became a household name through his work on Sportsnight and Sports Personality of the Year, in addition to Grandstand. His ability to cover a diverse range of sports with clarity and professionalism won him admiration from fans and colleagues alike.
When he moved to ITV in 2005, Rider brought his steady hand to motorsports, particularly Formula One, and became a familiar face for coverage of World Cup tournaments.
Health Battle and Early Diagnosis
Rider’s decision to step away follows his prostate cancer diagnosis, which he revealed on BBC Breakfast. He described himself as “incredibly lucky” that the disease was caught early, allowing him to undergo surgery before it could spread.
He credited a close friend’s diagnosis with prompting him to get tested: “They took one look and said, ‘We’re going to operate in two weeks’. No messing around. We did Brands Hatch for ITV on the Sunday and I had the operation on the Thursday—so it slotted into the schedule quite nicely!”
A Legacy in Broadcasting
Rider’s dignified and steady style has made him one of British television’s most respected sports broadcasters. Colleagues across the industry have praised his contribution to sports journalism and his ability to adapt over decades of broadcasting evolution.
As Rider prepares for his final sign-off, his influence on generations of sports fans and aspiring journalists will be lasting.
Public and Industry Reaction
On social media, tributes have begun to pour in from fans, former colleagues, and athletes alike. One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote: “Steve Rider was the voice of my childhood sports weekends. A broadcasting great.”
Rider has yet to announce what he plans to do next, but if his decades of composure in front of the camera are any indication, his final appearance will be delivered with quiet professionalism—just the way he wants it.
