The BBC`s dedicated Wimbledon highlights programme, “Today at Wimbledon”, which has been a staple for tennis fans since its inception in 1990, is scheduled for a significantly later broadcast time next week, potentially impacting viewership.
Historically, the highlights show has aired between 8 pm and 9 pm. Qasa Alom took over hosting duties from Clare Balding in 2023.
Last year`s schedule faced disruptions due to numerous late matches on Centre Court, primarily caused by poor weather. When live play extended past the typical 8 pm mark, the BBC opted to continue broadcasting the live tennis action instead of switching to the highlights.
In response, BBC executives have reportedly decided to push back the television slot for “Today at Wimbledon” to 11:55 pm for the opening day of the Championships.
For the first week of the tournament, the show will be pre-recorded and made available online via BBC iPlayer from 9 pm. However, its broadcast on BBC Two will not occur until this late “graveyard slot”.
A BBC spokesperson stated that live coverage on BBC One or BBC Two is planned until 10 pm during the first week and 9 pm in the second week, when matches generally conclude earlier. They explained, “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.” They also noted that the broadcast is currently slated for 8 pm from Tuesday, July 8th to Friday, July 11th, anticipating earlier finishes during those days.
Isa Guha will anchor the morning coverage from SW19, with Clare Balding taking over for the afternoon sessions as the action moves to BBC One. Qasa Alom will continue presenting the “Today at Wimbledon” highlights show.
The BBC has also announced its full commentary team for the event, featuring familiar voices such as John McEnroe, Tim Henman, and Martina Navratilova among many others.
However, this year`s lineup notably omits Nick Kyrgios, who provided commentary for the BBC last year, and Andy Murray, who has not yet transitioned to punditry following his playing career.
BBC`s Wimbledon Coverage Team Highlights
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
