Bianca Westwood reveals she was told she ‘wasn’t attractive enough’ for Sky Sports – before becoming the first female reporter on Soccer Saturday

Bianca Westwood was told she wasn’t attractive enough to present for Sky Sports before becoming one of their most famous reporters, she has revealed. 

Westwood spent 22 years with Sky Sports and is well-known for being the first female reporter on Soccer Saturday. 

She left in the summer but has since joined talkSPORT. She has fond memories of her time with the broadcaster but has revealed she almost didn’t join. 

‘When I did a screen test, many years ago, I was told I wasn’t attractive enough for Sky Sports News,’ she told the Business Excellence Channel. 

‘And part of me was like, why do I have to be attractive… because there’s some unattractive men on there.

Westwood spent more than 22 years with Sky Sports but now broadcasts with talkSPORT 

‘But also, I thought I wasn’t too bad looking. At that time I was told there has to be a certain type of symmetry to your face as a woman, and I didn’t have that.

‘It’s interesting that years later I ended up in a box with just my face… and it didn’t matter that one eyebrow was higher than the other!’

Westwood performs a similar role with talkSPORT, giving live updates from grounds and giving her opinion in the studio. 

In August, she penned an emotional farewell to Sky on Instagram, writing: ‘A bit like when I did my first match report, I didn’t want to make a fuss but I’ve had SO many messages & questions about where I’ll be today I thought I might as well let you know.

‘I haven’t quite made enough money to retire unfortunately, but I am retiring from Sky Sports & Soccer Saturday.

‘It’s been a phenomenal 22 & a half years & I’ve been a small part of building the channel into the giant of broadcasting it is today. What a ride!

‘Being the first female match reporter on Soccer Saturday is something I’m immensely proud of & that can never be taken away from me.

‘I’ve covered hundreds & hundreds of games, I’ve interviewed hundreds of players & managers.

When she left, Westwood detailed her pride in being the first woman to serve as a Soccer Saturday match reporter 

She has linked up with Jeff Stelling at talkSPORT after their years together as Sky colleagues

‘I’ve watched hours & hours of football. Years of experience (I said what I said!) that will live with me forever.

‘For the most part, it’s been a blast. I’m grateful to you the viewers for watching over the years & for all your support.

‘To those I’ve worked with who’ve been a big part of my life at Sky, you know who you are, thanks for the memories. On to the next chapter. Buzzing for it.’

There was a huge summer exodus at Sky Sports as the broadcaster enacted cost-cutting measures. 

Longtime Soccer Saturday mainstay Jeff Stelling stepped down from hosting the popular show after nearly 30 years at the end of last season and is now with Westwood at talkSPORT. 

Soccer AM duo John ‘Fenners’ Fendley and Peter ‘Tubes’ Dale also departed the broadcaster as the long-running weekly comedy talk show came to an end after 29 years.

Additional high-profile departures from Sky’s football team include that of storied commentator Martin Tyler and long-time Soccer Saturday stalwart Dickie Davis.