BBC fire John Inverdale from Wimbledon, bring in Clare Balding

The veteran television and radio presenter has been a mainstay of the Corporation's coverage for 15 years, having been the face of the evening 'Today at Wimbledon' highlights programme since 2000.

But now the Guardian and Daily Mail both report that Inverdale has lost the prized slot to Clare Balding, and been shunted into a minor role.

The move comes after two serious gaffes over the past few years that have seriously undermined Inverdale's credibility.

In 2013, while discussing Marion Bartoli's superb victory in the Wimbledon women's singles final, Inverdale crassly referred to the Frenchwoman as "not a looker" - a cruel jibe that drew thousands of complaints.

The 57-year-old tried to explain that hayfever medication had impaired his wits, and he retained his role - and indeed he went on to work alongside Bartoli for ITV4.

Earlier this year, however, he performed another appalling gaffe when referring to "rose-c***ed" glasses during the BBC's radio coverage of the Cheltenham Festival.

The bizarre slip of the tongue, in tandem with the Bartoli controversy, appear to have spelt the end for Inverdale as a top presenter on the BBC.

Balding, hugely popular among fans ever since her superb stints during the Olympic Games three years ago, will take over the highlights show, which has been rebranded rather bizarrely as "Wimbledon 2Day".

The BBC explained the decisions in a statement: "John Inverdale will take up a new role on TV commentary duties at this year’s Championship and we are looking forward to having him as part of the team.

"The introduction of Wimbledon 2Day, presented by Clare Balding, will provide a fresh new look for the highlights show and continue to develop the 'Today at the Games' brand which Clare presented at both the Sochi Winter Olympics and Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014."