The BBC`s traditional Wimbledon highlights show is reportedly being moved to a much later slot next week, a decision that could disappoint dedicated tennis fans.
For years, viewers have relied on “Today at Wimbledon” for their daily summary of the action from the Championships, a program first introduced in 1990.
Typically, the highlights program has started between 8pm and 9pm. Qasa Alom took over hosting duties from Clare Balding in 2023.
Last year`s broadcast schedule faced challenges due to numerous late finishes on Centre Court, often caused by poor weather. When live play on the main courts extended past the usual highlights time, the BBC frequently opted to continue broadcasting the live matches.
According to reports in the Telegraph, BBC executives have now decided to push back the television broadcast time for “Today at Wimbledon” significantly, scheduling it for 11:55 pm on the first day of the tournament.
The show will still be recorded earlier in the evening and will be available for streaming online via BBC iPlayer from 9 pm during the first week. However, its TV debut on BBC Two will be delayed to this late time slot, described by the Telegraph as a “graveyard slot.” The BBC states the program will air “after live play ends.”
Fans who prefer watching on television will be pleased to know that during the second week of the tournament, “Today at Wimbledon” is expected to revert to a more standard broadcast time.
A BBC spokesperson explained: “Live Wimbledon coverage is scheduled to air on BBC One or BBC Two until 10 pm in the first week, and until 9 pm from the second week, when matches typically finish earlier. 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 8 pm from Tuesday 8th to Friday 11th July, when earlier finishes are expected.”
Looking at the rest of the coverage, Isa Guha is set to host the main morning broadcasts from SW19, with Clare Balding taking over for the afternoon sessions on BBC One.
Qasa Alom will continue in his role presenting “Today at Wimbledon.”
The BBC has also confirmed the full line-up for their commentary and punditry teams covering the Championships.
Many familiar and popular figures will be involved, including tennis legends like John McEnroe, Tim Henman, and Martina Navratilova.
However, the list does not include Nick Kyrgios, who was part of the BBC`s coverage last year. Similarly, Andy Murray, who has not yet transitioned into punditry since retiring from professional tennis, is also absent from the announced team.
BBC`s Wimbledon Line-up in Full
Presenters: Clare Balding, Isa Guha, Qasa Alom, Gigi Salmon, Clare McDonnell, Steve Crossman
Commentators: Andrew Castle, Chris Bradnam, James Burridge, Naomi Cavaday, Matt Chilton, Andrew Cotter, Katharine Downes, Paul Hand, Abigail Johnson, Robbie Koenig, David Law, Nick Lester, Ronald Mcintosh, Alison Mitchell, Nick Mullins, Pete Odgers, Simon Reed, Candy Reid, Andy Stevenson, Russell Fuller, Jonathan Overend, Iain Carter, Sara Orchard, Maz Farookhi, Claire Thomas, James Gregg, Delyth Lloyd, Chris Dennis, Shourjo Sarkar, Shabnam Younus-Jewell
Pundits: John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Pat Cash, Tracy Austin, Tim Henman, Annabel Croft, Joe Durie, Colin Fleming, Daniela Hantuchova, Dom Inglot, Anne Keothavong, Alicia Molik, Ryan Harrison, John Lloyd, Nick Monroe, Arvind Parmar, Louise Pleming, Sam Smith, Liz Smylie, Mel South, Todd Woodbridge, Jayant Mistry, Louise Hunt, Katie O`Brien, Kim Clijsters, Laura Robson, Naomi Broady, Mark Woodforde, Jeff Tarango, Leon Smith, Coco Vandeweghe, Greg Rusedski, Daniele Hantuchova, Cara Black, Marion Bartoli
