Olympics Closing Ceremony: Viewers Switch Off Over "Dreadful" BBC Coverage

BBC viewers were left unimpressed as the channel aired the closing ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympics, with many switching off within minutes.

While Clare Balding welcomed viewers to the proceedings, a chorus of complaints flooded social media, with viewers unhappy about the hour-long wait for the ceremony to actually begin. The frustration was further fuelled by the presence of First Dates host Fred Sirieix, who was on hand to commentate despite his daughter, Andrea, having won bronze in the women's synchronised 10m diving.

“So the #ClosingCeremony starts at 8? And the bloody BBC are just going to talk about it for an entire hour? Yeah, no,” lamented one viewer. 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.”

The inclusion of Sirieix, who had been commentating throughout the competition due to his daughter’s participation, proved particularly divisive. While some viewers praised his presence, with one declaring him a "lovely man" who had "lit up the screen," many others felt his inclusion was inappropriate and unnecessary.

"Fred Siriex feels like a spare part leading up to the closing ceremony. Love Laura Kenny & Chris Hoy though," wrote one viewer, while another simply stated, "Why Fred Siriex is there? Come on BBC, grow up."

The controversy over Sirieix's presence overshadowed Andrea's bronze medal win, which came after a challenging period in her life. "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," she said. "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."

Despite the negativity surrounding the BBC coverage, Andrea remained positive, stating, "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."

However, the overall consensus among viewers was that the BBC's coverage of the Paris closing ceremony fell short. The combination of a lengthy wait before the ceremony began, the controversial presence of Sirieix, and the perceived lack of professionalism from some presenters led many to switch off, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of those who tuned in.