BBC viewers shared their frustrations just minutes into the coverage of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony and got everyone saying the same thing.

The recognisable voice of Hazel Irvine and Andrew Cotter was heard as the BBC broadcast coverage of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Friday.

Many viewers at home were left demanding that the BBC presenters get a medal after being forced to cover the “messy” opening ceremony which was not to everyone’s liking.

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony took place outside of the stadium for the first time in history.

After a huge firework display of the Tricolour on the Pont d’Austerlitz, the nations began being introduced starting with Greece.

The boats then continued being introduced before another interlude featured Lady Gaga singing in French. Viewers were later treated to a catwalk show, live music and a smurf tucked into a fruit bowl.

But unimpressed social media users took to X and branded the live event “chaotic”.

@scruftgirl commented: “I’m imagining Hazel and Andrew just looking at each other #OpeningCeremony.”

@jenmorris13 wrote: “Thank you @MrAndrewCotter and Hazel Irvine for a bloody brilliant commentary #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony.”

@Munchbunch87 commented: “#OpeningCeremony Hazel Irvine and Andrew Cotter doing a tremendous job as they usually do. 2 fabulous professionals. Bit ‘making a purse out of a sows ear’stuff though with one of the most disappointing opening ceremonies I’ve seen in decades.”

@Missymalone12 remarked: “@MrAndrewCotter, epic job at #OpeningCeremony, you and Hazel, top team.”

@jho_zrh tweeted: “Wonder is Andrew Cotter and Hazel Irvine have had some drink… they deserve it after this really awful opening ceremony.”

@jin added: “Hazel doing a top job despite this messy ceremony.”

However, others suggested the presenting duo had been talking too much while others complained they spoke over musical performances during the ceremony.

@kwesiidun91 said: “Don’t get me wrong, Andrew Cotter and Hazel Irvine are brilliant broadcasters, but some explanation at that point would have helped. Yeah I’ve seen the Olympics in the US. NBC aren’t the best at it. #OpeningCeremony.”

@CatsInFrance fumed: “FFS Hazel, STFU! #OpeningCeremony.” While @SmirkthroughL argued: “Shut up Hazel, I want to hear metal #OpeningCeremony.”

@evil_del said: “The @BBCSport commentary is just the constant sound of rain. Can they not fade Hazel Irvine down when she’s not talking? #OpeningCeremony.”

@lspark_89 quizzed: “Can the BBC please turn off Hazel Irvine & Andrew Cotter’s mic please.”

While @Parrjm22 sympathised: “Poor Hazel and Andrew trying to commentate on this not having seen any rehearsal. They are trooping on but sound puzzled and bored. #OpeningCeremony.”

The chaotic nature of the whole ceremony failed to grip some viewers who were already beginning to turn off at the start.

Organisers wanted to make the opening ceremony as accessible as possible with 222,000 free tickets given away and 80 giant screens around the city for everyone to have a chance of watching.

Due to the opening ceremony’s sheer size, there wasn’t the possibility of a full rehearsal.
Viewers tuning into the Paris Olympics opening ceremony on BBC were met with a mixed bag of reactions, with some praising the commentary by Hazel Irvine and Andrew Cotter, while others were left unimpressed by the chaotic nature of the event.
Despite the shaky start, many viewers commended the professionalism of the presenters, with some even suggesting they deserved a medal for their efforts.Social media was buzzing with comments about the opening ceremony, with some users expressing frustration at the constant chatter from the commentators, while others found their insights helpful in navigating the event.

One user suggested that the BBC should have turned down Hazel Irvine and Andrew Cotter’s mic when they weren’t speaking to allow viewers to fully enjoy the musical performances.

Overall, it was clear that the opening ceremony divided opinions among viewers, with some appreciating the efforts to make the event inclusive for all, while others felt that the lack of a full rehearsal had resulted in a disjointed and messy presentation.

Despite the criticisms, Hazel Irvine and Andrew Cotter were praised for their professionalism and dedication to providing commentary on the event.

As the Paris Olympics continue, it will be interesting to see how the BBC coverage evolves and whether viewer opinions on the opening ceremony will shift as the games progress. Make sure to stay updated with us for more insights and analysis on the latest Olympic events. Thank you for your continued support!