BBC viewers all say same thing about Hazel Irvine after 'messy' Olympics opening ceremony

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".

@GaryWaddington tweeted: "I think Hazel Irvine and @MrAndrewCotter should both get medals after this… #OpeningCeremony."

@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: 2@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 about 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.

The Olympics 2024 coverage can be streamed on BBC iPlayer over the coming weeks.