UNDER FIRE
Paris Olympics 2024 viewers slam BBC coverage as they hit out over ‘missing’ presenter and studio ‘mistake’
From the 'impractical' studio, to the choice of presenters, some fans thought the BBC got it totally wrong
PARIS Olympics 2024 viewers have slammed the BBC coverage in droves as the event kicks off.
Clare Balding took to the airwaves to welcome fans to the Opening Ceremony.
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The broadcasting legend appeared to welcome viewers to the pre-coverage of the highly-anticipated Opening Ceremony.
She was joined by a host of Olympic legends in the plush studio to tease the action.
Her guests included a series of gold medalists, as track athlete Michael Johnson, swimmer Rebecca Adlington, and cyclist Sir Chris Hoy all appeared.
However, many viewers couldn't help but take to social media with their series of major gripes.
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Despite trying to build on the excitement, many thought there was too much chat amongst the BBC stars, and not enough action.
On X - formerly known as Twitter - one wrote: "I see we're going heavy on the studio chit chat already."
A second user angrily stated: "Didn’t realise the opening ceremony was going to be a chat show."
"So this BBC build up to the opening Ceremony is basically just talking about all the negative stuff? Talk about killing the party atmosphere," noted a third viewer.
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And a fourth added: "Taking a comfort break Too much chat."
This comes as other fans declared that they hated the studio format, as they said it was 'stupid'.
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One user claimed: "Another unnecessarily stupid and impractical (and likely expensive) table at the #bbcolympics studio for #Paris2024."
An additional fan commented: "It's so long since I've watched anything live on the BBC, I'd forgotten how every show requires NINETY DIFFERENT presenters who waffle on and on and on and on before after and during everything."
And a third suggested: "#BBCOlympics studio presentation is dullsville A sofa, a wall, a tiny TV and blue curtains; what is the studio director doing? Their nails?
"Get some vivid action sports video plastered all over the walls, OOVs, and a revamp before you turn off millions of viewers."
Other sports fans are used to seeing Clare Balding present a range of huge sporting events which include the likes of Wimbledon and Crufts.
However, some fans wondered why Gaby Logan was nowhere to be seen to open the extensive coverage of the world event.
"Where is Gabby Logan," asked one viewer who accompanied their post with a shocked emoji.
Another suggested a different choice of presenter, writing: "Gabby Logan should be presenting this bit," with an eye roll emoji.
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Someone else also claimed that the BBC always use the same people and should start to use fresh faces instead.
"BBC bring out the same people every champs/Olympics Johnson, Addlington, Jackson, Hoy, Radcliffe," noted another viewer.
As an additional social media user added: "Do we really have to put up with Michael Johnson again, is there no British ex-athlete who could give an opinion rather than this American?"
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What's happening today at The Games?
WHAT TO WATCH TODAY...
THE PARIS 2024 Olympics started with a stunning Opening Ceremony - and now the Games really do begin.
SunSport brings you all the action taking place in the French capital on a thrilling first full day.
Josh Tarling and Anna Henderson are both in road cycling time trial action along the streets of Paris (from 1.30pm), leading today's Brit medal hopes.
Michael Bargeron and Seonaid McIntosh team up in the 10m mixed shooting trying to win the first gold of the 2024 Games (10am).
In diving, 3m synchro pair Yasmin Harper and Scarlett Mew Jensen could medal (10am).
And Team GB expect a medal from their swimmers in both of the 4x100m freestyle relays (8.30pm).
While three-time Olympic gold medallist Adam Peaty begins his quest for 100m breaststroke glory (heat 10.30am, semi-final 8.15pm).
And Max Whitlock is eyeing a pommel horse medal for a fourth Games in a row as gymnastics qualifying gets underway (10am).
Click here for all the events taking place at Paris 2024 today.
Follow all the action as it unfolds with our Paris 2024 Olympics LIVE blog.
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