Commentator loses BBC F1 role after ‘inappropriate touching’ complaints
Start of the Spanish Grand Prix. Barcelona, June 2023.
Jack Nicholls has been dropped from BBC Radio 5 Live’s F1 coverage after complaints of “inappropriate touching” resulted in his dismissal from Formula E.
It emerged last month that Mr Nicholls had been relieved of his duties as Formula E’s lead commentator, a position he had held since the inaugural season of the all-electric series in 2014, following an investigation into a formal complaint of inappropriate behaviour.
Allegations of “inappropriate touching” were made by three individuals, one of whom had been in a relationship with Nicholls.
It has now been confirmed that Nicholls has now been sacked from the BBC’s F1 coverage, with a spokesperson from IMG – who provide the radio coverage for the UK’s state broadcaster – telling the Independent: “IMG has decided to part ways with Jack Nicholls in light of the incidents that led to his departure from Formula E.”
After losing his role with Formula E, Mr Nicholls issued an apology and accepted “full responsibility” for his conduct.
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“Although disappointed with the decision, I respect it and accept why it was taken,” he was quoted as saying by the Times. “I want to take full responsibility for what I did and apologise unreservedly for a couple of isolated incidents that has made those concerned feel uncomfortable.
“I never meant any harm and I am committed to making amends and to be more mindful of my behaviour in future.”
A Formula E spokesperson said: “Formula E can confirm that an investigation was carried out in response to complaints of inappropriate behaviour received about Jack Nicholls.
“Following this investigation, Jack Nicholls’ contract to provide race commentary was terminated.”
Having been replaced by the popular Ben Edwards for coverage of Formula E, doubts over Mr Nicholls’ future with the BBC’s F1 offering began to surface after he was not involved in the broadcaster’s coverage of the Monaco Grand Prix.
He had combined his role with Formula E with BBC F1 commentary duties since 2016 and also featured prominently on Netflix’s hit Drive to Survive docuseries on Formula 1.
Rosanna Tennant, Harry Benjamin and and former IndyCar and Formula E driver Oliver Askew will front BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.