Vaughan berated BBC bosses on his Capital FM breakfast show

A BBC spokesman has confirmed reports that the recently revived programme - co-hosted by Vaughan and Suzi Perry - will not return for a third series.

Vaughan claimed he only learned of the decision when he read about it in a newspaper, adding he would have liked to have been told face-to-face.

However, a BBC representative said he was informed through his agent.

Hosted by David Vine, the original Superstars ran from 1974 to 1986.

Vaughan and Perry presented two series of the show from La Manga in Spain. Contestants included cricketer Adam Hollioake, footballer Steve Claridge and runner Iwan Thomas.

Vaughan and Suzi Perry (right) hosted two series of Superstars

In 2003 Vaughan told the BBC Sport website how excited he was that Superstars was returning. "Just hearing that theme tune again brings it all back," he said.

A BBC spokesman declined to comment on Vaughan's recent remarks or the specific reasons behind the corporation's decision to axe the show.

Speaking on his breakfast show on London's Capital FM, the former Big Breakfast host said it was the third time he had learned a BBC show he presented had been axed by reading about it in a newspaper.

His comments follow the announcement last November that his Saturday night entertainment show Passport to Paradise, which he co-hosted with Denise Van Outen, would not be back for a second series.