PARIS 2024 Olympics viewers have been critical of the BBC’s coverage of the start of the event.
Clare Balding took to the airwaves to welcome fans to the Opening Ceremony.
The broadcasting legend appeared to welcome viewers to pre-screening coverage of the highly-anticipated Opening Ceremony.
She was joined by a host of Olympic legends in the lavish studio to preview the action.
Her guests included a host of gold medallists, including track athlete Michael Johnson, swimmer Rebecca Adlington and cyclist Sir Chris Hoy.
However, many viewers couldn’t help but take to social media with their series of loud complaints.
Despite attempts to generate excitement, many felt there was too much talk between the BBC stars and not enough action.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, one wrote: “I see we’re already talking a lot about casual chats in the studio.”
A second user angrily commented: “I didn’t realize the opening ceremony was going to be a talk show.”
“So, in this BBC build-up to the opening ceremony, they’re basically talking about everything negative. It’s all about killing the festive mood,” said a third viewer.
And a fourth added: “Taking a break. Too much chatter.”
This comes as other fans stated that they hated the studio format, saying it was “stupid.”
One user said: “Another unnecessarily stupid and impractical (and probably expensive) table in the #bbcolympics studio for #Paris2024.”
An additional fan commented: “It’s been so long since I’ve seen anything live on the BBC, I’d forgotten that every show requires NINETY DIFFERENT presenters talking over and over and talking and talking before, after and throughout.”
And a third suggested: “The #BBCOlympics studio presentation is boring. A sofa, a wall, a small TV and blue curtains – what is the studio manager doing? His nails?
“Put vivid action sports videos on every wall, OOV and a revamp before turning off millions of viewers.”
Other sports fans are used to seeing Clare Balding present a variety of major sporting events including Wimbledon and Crufts.
However, some fans were left wondering why Gaby Logan wasn’t present to open the extensive coverage of the global event.
“Where’s Gabby Logan?” asked one viewer, accompanying her post with a surprised emoji.
Another suggested a different choice of presenter, writing: “Gabby Logan should host this part,” with a rolling eye emoji.
Someone else also claimed that the BBC always uses the same people and should start using new faces instead.
“The BBC brings the same people to every championship and Olympics: Johnson, Addlington, Jackson, Hoy, Radcliffe,” noted another viewer.
As another social media user added: “Do we really have to put up with Michael Johnson again? Isn’t there any former British athlete who can give an opinion?” opinion “instead of this American?”
What’s happening at the Games today?
WHAT TO WATCH TODAY?
Opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Only one show in town today… almost!
The historic opening ceremony, which will take place on the banks of the Seine rather than in a stadium, will end on Friday evening.
While football and rugby sevens were among the events that began before the ceremony this week, they will not be taking place on the day of the big party.
Only pre-event shooting training will be held on the day of the Opening Ceremony.
Click here for All the events taking place today in Paris 2024.
Follow all the action as it unfolds with our Paris 2024 Olympic Games Live Blog.
