BBC make major change to Wimbledon coverage as iconic show relegated
The switch has left some fans furious with one describing it as 'a shambles'
The BBC's Wimbledon coverage has undergone a big change
(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images )
The BBC has come under fire from tennis fans after it was revealed that their iconic Wimbledon highlights programme has been relegated to a graveyard slot ahead of this year's Championships.
Today at Wimbledon - which shows highlights of each day's play at the tournament - has traditionally held a prime time slot on BBC2 during the competition, generally being aired at either 8pm or 9pm. However, it is now set to be moved back several hours in a change that has already upset viewers.
During this year's Wimbledon, the programme will air at 11.55pm, with the Telegraph reporting that this is a change that will be in force for the majority of the tournament, rather than simply being a one-off.
When the competition gets under way on Monday, the 8pm-10.30pm slot on BBC2 will instead feature repeats of Your Garden Made Perfect, The Pembrokeshire Coast: A Wild Year and David Mitchell's sitcom Upstart Crow.
According to a BBC spokesperson, the Telegraph reports, Today at Wimbledon will still be shown at its traditional time on the BBC iPlayer, with the television broadcast labelled as a 'repeat'.
However, it has been argued that the switch could still alienate viewers, including those in remote areas, who may not have access to the iPlayer or the BBC website to watch the highlights.
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"What a farcical decision," wrote one viewer on X. "Not everyone can watch every hour and wish to have a easy to watch highlights show.
"Not this pushed to the graveyard slot. Shambles @BBCSport and shouldn't be allowed by @Wimbledon".
Another added: "What they have done to that programme is cultural vandalism," while a third wrote: "They have ruined that programme, which is sad."
The BBC have defended their decision, with a statement from the broadcaster claiming it did not want its live coverage to clash with its highlights programme.
The corporation also added that in the final week of Wimbledon, when earlier finishes are expected, Today at Wimbledon is set to return to its 8pm slot.
'Live Wimbledon coverage is scheduled to air on BBC One or BBC Two until 10pm in the first week, and until 9pm from the second week, when matches typically finish earlier," the statement to the Telegraph read.
"We wouldn't show highlights on another channel during live play, so Today at Wimbledon will be available on BBC iPlayer and scheduled on BBC Two later in the evening, depending on when play ends.
"It's currently set for 8pm from Tuesday 8th to Friday 11th July, when earlier finishes are expected.'
The controversial move comes after the BBC were criticised for their coverage of the doubles competition at the Queen's Club earlier this month.
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The broadcaster twice failed to show the partnership of Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter in action at the tournament in West Kensington, showing old episodes of Homes Under The Hammer and Bargain Hunt instead of their win over Wu Fang-hsien and Jiang Xinyu, and their quarter-final defeat to Lyudmyla Kichenok and Erin Routliffe.
Viewers complained over the lack of coverage of the two British stars, with one taking to X to write: "You have the British women, one and two, playing together in doubles and you're not showing it? Make it make sense! So frustrating!"
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