Daily Mail; BBC King's Speech: Viewers criticise commentator Nicky Campbell

Story from Daily Mail:

Viewers of the BBC's coverage of Tuesday's State Opening of Parliament have criticised its new commentator Nicky Campbell.

The TV presenter fronted the coverage of the King's Speech, as King Charles made his first appearance at The State Opening of Parliament.

It is the first time in years that Huw Edwards has not anchored the coverage. In July Edwards, 61, was named publicly as the star being investigated following allegations of sexual misconduct.

Viewers claimed 5 Live host Nicky 'made too many mistakes' during his commentary, with one posting on X, formerly known as Twitter:

'I'm sorry but Nicky Campbell is making too many mistakes. Its embarrassing. Surely the BBC could have chosen someone better.'

'Not impressed with Nicky Campbell as anchor not knowledgeable enough.'

Others questioned if other BBC presenters were not available: 'Couldn't the BBC have got someone better than Nicky Campbell to present State Opening Of Parliament Obviously Hugh Edwards couldn't. But sophie raworth or nick robinson would've been far better suited. Why this pseudo-intellectual, self aggrandising' tweeted one.

'BBC One I've just watched the King's speech, what has happened to the BBC's coverage? Nicky Campbell kept making mistakes, he didn't seem to know who was who, it was embarrassing. Huw Edwards is obviously missed but where is David Dimbleby?'

Others mused if Nicky's appointment signalled future changes in the BBC's coverage of historic events.

'I wonder if Nicky Campbell will be doing the presenting at the Festival of Remembrance next Saturday night as well as the State opening today? It's not the same without Huw Edwards. Nicky's voice just doesn't have the same gravitas for these sorts of occasions,' posted one viewer.

Others praised Nicky though with one tweeting: 'Nicky Campbell doing a good job as commentator of the State Opening of Parliament.'

Another agreed: 'The BBC state opening 2023 is far far far better without politicians on the panel. Plus Nicky Campbell is quite a good presenter/commentator.'

'Nicky Campbell? Actually, not the worst choice the BBC could have made to be honest.' said a third.

For two decades, Huw Edwards was the face of the BBC flagship News At Ten and led the BBC's coverage of many important events in recent history including the 2012 London Olympics, the inauguration of Barack Obama and the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

In May this year, a family member of an alleged victim made a complaint about Edwards' behaviour, with details referred to the Corporate Investigations Team.

On May 19, the team emailed the complainant and received no response.

Two months later, The Sun informed the BBC's press office about allegations made against Edwards, prompting the broadcaster to launch an 'incident management group' of top execs and approach Edwards, before going to the police on July 7.

The Sun's original story purported to reveal a 'failure to investigate claims' that a BBC star - then unnamed publicly - had paid thousands to a teenager for explicit images.

By July 9, Edwards was suspended from his role.

Only a day later, the alleged victim rubbished the allegations through a lawyer.

Three new claims emerged on July 11 in relation to Edwards' behaviour, before he was finally revealed as the presenter in question by his wife on July 12.