CHRIS HUGHES has been branded “hideous” after calling female cricketer Maitlan Brown a “little Barbie”.

The former Love Island contestant is working on the BBC’s live coverage of The Hundred.

In his role he interviewed Southern Brave’s Aussie star Brown.

Speaking about the togetherness in the camp, Brown said: “We watched Barbie the other night altogether and it was really good team bonding and the group is gelling really well together.

“That is the key to success I think in tournaments like this, how well and how quickly you can gel as a group.”

Hughes then made viewers wince by replying: “You’re a little Barbie yourself innit, with your blue eyes.”

After some awkward laughter, he then said: “She’s blushing now.”

As per ESPN’s Matt Roller, a BBC spokesperson said: “We have spoken to Chris and explained that his comment was not appropriate.”

Fans on social media were extremely unimpressed with Hughes’ conduct.

One wrote: “The absolute state of this.”

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While a second asked: “Has @chrishughes_22 apologised for this? Hideous!”

A third blasted: “Yep saw this live and couldn’t pick my jaw off the floor for 10 minutes. Laughable stuff.”

And another added: “His comments throughout the broadcast were cringe worthy. This is just grim. Really unsure how he gets the gig tbh.”

Hughes, 30, appeared on the 2017 series of Love Island.

In addition to his cricket coverage he has worked on ITV Racing since 2019, and can be seen on all the big meet ups including Cheltenham.