Jack Whitehall sends last Soccer AM show into utter chaos with Rolf Harris joke

Jack Whitehall delivered a brutal Rolf Harris joke on Soccer AM's last ever show – and it was a moment that had host Jimmy Bullard heading for the exit.

It was confirmed in March that the much-loved Sky Sports show would be axed at the end of the 2022/23 campaign after 28-years on our TV screens.

The final ever episode of the programme featured guests Stormzy, actor Stephen Graham and comedian Jack Whitehall, who made a joke about disgraced entertainer and convicted sex offender Harris.

Harris died of neck cancer and 'frailty of old age' on May 10, at the age of 93.

Speaking to the panel, Whitehall explained how he was still waiting to be honoured by the Royal Family. "When they released the honours, I was waiting by the phone, nothing," he said.

"Every year, the amount of brown nosing I've done with that..."

The comedian then commented: "Also, I'd take anything, I'd have the one's they stripped off Rolf."

It was a comment that brought laughter from the studio. Whitehall was referencing when Harris was made an MBE in the 1960s, an OBE a decade later and a CBE in 2006. The honours were later revoked.

Co-host Jimmy Bullard walked off set, while fellow presenter John 'Fenners' Fendley looked on in shock. "It's the last show, let's go out with a bang," Whitehall said.

Image credit: Sky Sports/Soccer AM

Whitehall has since addressed the joke that got him muted on Soccer AM's final ever episode. Taking to Twitter, he wrote: "Do not go gentle into that good night. #SoccerAm So much love for this show.

"This felt like a fitting send off for me - I think over the years I’ve been muted more than any guest. Saturday mornings won’t be the same!"

It has been suggested that Soccer AM will be replaced with Saturday Social, which is described as 'an alternative insight into the beautiful game'.

"Soccer AM has played an important role in our coverage of football for the past three decades, and we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers," a spokesman for Sky said.

"We now go into a period of consultation to discuss the proposed changes with our people. We are unable to provide more detail while these consultations are underway.”

Thoughts on Soccer AM ending after 28 years? Is it the right decision?

Let us know.

Topics: Sky Sports, Premier League

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_