Natalie Sawyer has been axed from Sky Sports after 18 years

GO SPORT / YouTube

• Natalie Sawyer has left Sky Sports News.
• There was no announcement of her leaving on the program.
• Many of her colleagues are understood to be upset about her departure.

One of the best-known presenters on Sky Sports News left the company on Wednesday, without any mention of her departure on the program.

Natalie Sawyer was with Sky for 18 years, and in that time became the face of the channel's transfer deadline day coverage, along with Jim White who hasn't been let go.

According to The Times, Sawyer was told earlier this month that her contract wasn't being renewed. Her final shift ended at 5pm Wednesday, and there was no announcement that she wouldn't be returning.

This is quite a contrast to when Georgie Thompson left to join Sky Sports F1, and was presented with a bouquet of flowers, causing her to burst into tears live on air.

The Times was told other presenters weren't allowed to mention Sawyer's departure on air, and many are understood to be upset about her leaving.

Today, Sky issued a statement to acknowledge Sawyer's exit.

"We'd like to thank Natalie for her many years of great service to Sky Sports and we wish her all the best in the future," the company said.

Sawyer is believed to be pursuing other job opportunities, and she still has a column with The Sun.