BBC viewers have same complaint about Paris Olympics 2024 coverage - 'too early!'

Some BBC viewers were distinctly underwhelmed as the broadcaster aired the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony coverage tonight (Sunday, August 11). Clare Balding hosted the show, but audiences took to social media to express their discontent when the BBC started the broadcast at 7pm while the ceremony was scheduled only for 8pm.

Disappointment grew among viewers seeing Olympic greats Laura Kenny and Chris Hoy presenting alongside Fred Sirieix, known primarily from First Dates, even though his daughter clinched a diving bronze at the games.

Social media comments ranged from annoyance to anger. One individual posted: "So the #ClosingCeremony starts at 8? And the bloody BBC are just going to talk about it for an entire hour? Yeah, no."

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Another added: "Have just switched OFF this on BBC1 #ClosingCeremony what on earth has Fred Siriex got to do with broadcasting ( yes daughter diving) The entire BBC coverage has been appalling. From dreaded know nothing but statistics Balding to scruffily dressed presenters."

A third chipped in: "BBC or Eurosport? Clare Balding or Laura Woods? Hmmm.....difficult!"

A fourth stated: "Fred Siriex feels like a spare part leading up the closing ceremony. Love Laura Kenny and Chris Hoy though," and another echoed the sentiment: "Why Fred Siriex is there? Come on BBC, grow up."

However, not all feedback was negative, with one admirer commenting: "If you'd told me at the start of the year that one of the best additions to the BBC Olympic punditry team would be Fred from First Dates I'd have had a little chuckle, but he's lit up the screen every time he's been on, and just seems like a lovely man."

Fred, who has been providing commentary throughout the competition due to his daughter Andrea's participation, moved viewers with a touching on-camera moment comforting his daughter.

After securing a bronze medal, Andrea stated: "Obviously it wasn't the result that I wanted, but I'm not even upset at the competition, the girls dove amazing and did better than me and it wasn't meant to be."

"Three years ago, I didn't even want to be alive, so today I'm just happy that I am alive, that I'm breathing and that I've got my family to support me."

She added: "I'm so happy to be here and be at the Olympic games. It's been a long year and this doesn't take away from my accomplishments and missing out on one medal doesn't change who I am."