BBC show faces major format change after 45 years and it's happening this week

Daily Mirror

4 hours ago

The BBC is shaking things up on a weekly evening show which has been entertaining viewers for decades
The host of a long-running TV show has revealed a significant change to the BBC programme's format, set to take effect this week.
Question Time, hosted by Fiona Bruce who recently faced criticism for alleged bias, typically features politicians from various parties across the nation gathering at the BBC studios.
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Here, they respond to a range of questions from the live studio audience about the most pressing issues facing the UK each week.
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However, this week sees a shake-up in the show's format, with politics being removed from the discussion. Last week (June 12), the 61-year-old presenter alerted viewers at the end of the episode that she would be hosting a special edition of the show dedicated entirely to the challenges of growing up in the 21st century.
She tantalised viewers by saying: "Question Time is doing something a bit different this week. We are devoting a whole programme to the issues with growing up in the 21st century. [This includes] Social media, mental health, getting a job, getting a house."
The presenter, who has an unusual feud with former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson, went on to unveil some of the big names lined up to appear on the show, including a Netflix star and a prominent British YouTuber, reports the Express.
Fiona continued: "We've got Jack Thorne who wrote that massive Netflix hit Adolescence. We've got Katherine Birbalsingh, renowned as Britain's strictest head mistress.
"We've also got someone who you might not have heard of if you're over 40, but if you're Gen Z then you definitely will have done. TommyInnit (whose real name is Tommy Simmons), he's a massive YouTuber, gamer and now online comedian who has millions upon millions of followers."
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The experienced broadcaster conceded that the young internet sensation isn't "the kind of person we usually have on Question Time" but assured viewers he would bring "lots of very interesting things to say".
So far, only three names from the stellar lineup have been confirmed for the panel, with additional heavyweights expected to be unveiled later in the week. The announcement triggered an instant reaction on X - the platform previously known as Twitter - with fans keenly discussing the new twist.
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One eagle-eyed user speculated on further additions to the programme, posting: "Presumably Richard Tice will be returning? Or perhaps Zia Yusuf, or possibly even the great man himself, Mr Farage?".
On another front, one enthusiast outlined the key issues they hoped to see tackled, stating: "The problems have always been: affordable housing, cost of education, wages, austerity/ public service cuts, utility costs, and the biggest... Brexit."
Yet another viewer didn't hide their irritation: "'Join us for a special programme on the challenges of growing up in the 21st Century'. Really? There isn't a more pressing issue taking place right now you should talk about?"
Catch Question Time every Thursday at 10.40pm on BBC One, or stream the discussions anytime on iPlayer.