Former Love Island star Chris Hughes has been told by the BBC it was “not appropriate” to compare a female cricket player to Barbie during a pitchside interview.

The ticking off came in response to a comment made by the now sports presenter while he was speaking with Australian all-rounder Maitlan Brown at The Hundred competition on Wednesday, following her team Southern Braves’ win over Trent Rockets.

The 26-year-old revealed she had been to see the Barbie movie with her teammates.

She said: “It was really good team bonding and the group is gelling really well together.”

Hughes, who first found fame as a contestant on the ITV2 reality show Love Island, replied: “You’re a little Barbie yourself with your blue eyes.”

After Brown laughed, Hughes added: “She’s blushing now”.

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In response, a BBC spokesperson said: “We have spoken to Chris and explained that his comment was not appropriate.”

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As well as the Southern Braves, Brown has played for several domestic Australian teams as well as receiving call-ups to the full Australia squad.

In addition to presenting coverage of The Hundred, Hughes has also worked on ITV’s horse racing programmes.

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