Jim Rosenthal

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Jim Rosenthal

James "Jim" Rosenthal (born 6 November 1947 in Oxford) is a bits and pieces man for ITV who unconvincingly presents any sport put in front of him while looking like the devil.

When Rosenthal applied for the job with ITV in 1980 he claimed to 'love all sports', his new employers were to test that boast to the full.

Like BBC's Dougie Donnelly, who gamely blagged his way through events like archery, modern pentathlon and speed stapling at the Olympics in Beijing, Rosenthal was given any sport where there was no clear expert in the ITV office, e.g. F1, boxing and rugby.

But eventually the Oxford United fan was given the chance to present football (of sorts) and would pop up to present unappetising Champions League games that jaded silver fox Des Lynam saw as beneath him.

Career stalled by squirmy, unconvincing presenting style and Beelzebubian appearance

Watching Rosenthal at work is generally an uncomfortable experience. As well as looking like biblical fall guy Satan, Rosenthal has an awkward stance and a sneery, unsatisfying voice, which is easily ignored.

As a result, ITV have all but banished Rosenthal to ITV4, believing the knowledgeable, attractive and articulate Gabby Logan to be a better bet than a shifty Dantean creature.