BBC Olympics viewers baffled as Fred Sirieix leads closing ceremony coverage: 'Added nothing!'
Fred Sirieix sparked a backlash with BBC viewers for being a key feature of the closing ceremony coverage
BBC
The Paris Olympic Games 2024 wrapped up with the highly-anticipated closing ceremony on Sunday, and as the festivities kicked off, First Dates star Fred Sirieix played a major part in its coverage.
French-born Sirieix has made a few appearances at the games as his daughter Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix represented Team GB and managed to bag a bronze in diving. However, many were left scratching their heads as to why he was a key feature of the closing ceremony coverage, with some asking if he was "the best pundit" for the job.
The BBC show began by airing some of the highlights from the past 16 days, and as Clare Balding, 53, introduced the coverage, she quickly announced Sirieix, 52, was among the team of presenters with her.
"I'm here in the company of Fred Sirieix, Laura Kenny and Chris Hoy," she announced.
Kenny, 32, once represented Team GB as a track and road cyclist, while Hoy, 48, is a former track cyclist and racing driver. While Sirieix's daughter is an Olympian, many were quick to point out he is not and were confused as to why he was fronting the coverage.
"I couldn't be more proud, the whole country is jubilant," Sirieix enthused after Balding asked him how proud he felt of France. He went on: "everybody's so excited about what's happened - the organisation, the welcome.
"And the fact that France managed to showcase Paris; all its beauty and all its magic. You know, the way of life of the French." Later, Sirieix narrated a montage of Paris' hosting highlights as well as France's performance in the games.
Fred Sirieix sparked a backlash with BBC viewers for being a key feature of the closing ceremony coverage
BBC
After he led a look-back at the French success, he commented in the pre-recorded video: "the beauty of these Olympics was encapsulated in the beauty of Paris.
"What a fitting stage for the greatest show on earth. The greatest number of medals in over 100 years for team France. The French people are proud and completely in love with their Olympians."
However, with the first 20 minutes dominated by Sirieix's commentary and video clips, plenty of viewers expressed their confusion. Taking to X, many questioned why the chef had so much involvement in the coverage.
One asked: "When did Fred become an Olympic expert? #BBCOlympics".
"Fred Serieix feels like a spare part leading up the closing ceremony. Love Laura Kenny & Chris Hoy though. #Olympics #Paris2024 #BBCOlympics #ClosingCeremony," another complained.
A third asked: "Why is Fred sirieix a pundit? Is he the token French bloke? #BBCOlympics."
Sirieix was heavily involved in the Olympics closing ceremony
BBC
"I reckon Fred Sirieix can't believe he's getting paid for this jolly #BBCOlympics," another shared.
"Sorry, apart from actually being French, and being Andrea's Dad, Fred Siriex has added absolutely nothing to the #BBCOlympics coverage. #Olympics #Paris2024 #ClosingCeremony," someone else argued.
"I know his daughter competed, but mon dieu, is Fred really the best pundit for the final panel? #BBCOlympics," another remarked.
However, others loved seeing Siriex involved, with one writing: "Lovely piece from Fred Sirieix about the #Olympics in Paris. He’s been a real joy to watch throughout the games." (sic)
Last Wednesday, Siriex held back tears after watching his daughter perform for Team GB. Alongside diving teammate Lois Toulson, Spendolini-Sirieix secured third place on the medals table in the women's synchronised 10m platform.
Both divers burst into tears as they accepted their medals and when the scores were confirmed.
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Many BBC Olympics viewers couldn't understand why Fred Sirieix took such a key role in the closing ceremony
BBC
Soon after, when they joined the BBC's reporting team, which included proud dad Sirieix, the tears continued to flow.
Spendolini-Sirieix told BBC viewers after wiping away tears: "I don’t think there is any way to describe what we are feeling. We are so happy. We have worked so hard."
Later, Sirieix placed his hand on Andrea's back before his BBC co-star asked him to chip in after she spotted "tears in your eyes".
A tearful Sirieix said: "I mean, what a competition! It's always a rollercoaster with you girls, you really took me around the bend. But that last dive... that last dive was spectacular... it was amazing."