Hunt to stay with BBC after turning down ITV commentary job

John Hunt has pledged his future to the BBC after the in-demand broadcaster signed a new deal with Radio 5 live and turned down the opportunity to take the role of lead commentator on ITV's racing coverage.

For months ITV has wanted Hunt to become its voice of racing, but the offer of a contract with the BBC that will keep him at the corporation through to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 has proved enough to persuade Hunt to continue with his current employer.

The BBC had been desperate to keep Hunt, who once again earned rave reviews for his swimming commentaries at the recent Rio Olympics.