BBC responds after viewers criticised heavy TV coverage of Queen Elizabeth II

The BBC have responded after viewers criticised the ‘level’ of coverage dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II.

Her Majesty died peacefully at Balmoral on Thursday, September 8. Following her death, the BBC and ITV revised their schedules to air special programming and news coverage in the lead-up to the state funeral, which commences today.

A number of television shows have been delayed in the process, including Strictly Come Dancing, which will now launch at the later date of Friday, September 23 with the first live show taking place on Saturday, September 24.

While thousands of mourners have been queuing for up top 14 hours to view the late monarch’s lying in state, others have watched the coverage from their comfort of their homes.

It was recently reported that the BBC only received 670 complaints regarding its wall-to-wall coverage of the Queen’s death on September 8.

In comparison, the broadcaster received 110,000 complaints about its output when Prince Philip died.


In response to the recent backlash, the cooperation said: ‘The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is an event of national and international significance which is being reflected in our output.

‘This has meant changes to our schedules. Programme alternatives have been available – including on iPlayer and Sounds.’

Shane Nolan was recently slammed after he questioned why the Queen’s death was all over TV.

What is the BBC One TV schedule for Monday?

The BBC One TV schedule on Monday, September 19 is as follows:

Queen Elizabeth II dead: Latest updates

  • What time is the Queen’s funeral today and where is it taking place?
  • Queen’s last official portrait released ahead of her funeral
  • Drivers told ‘avoid central London’ with major road closures for Queen’s funeral
  • Full schedule for the Queen’s funeral and committal service

Head to Metro.co.uk’s Queen Elizabeth II tag page for the latest updates, and sign Metro.co.uk’s book of condolence to Her Majesty here.

06:00 Breakfast

08:00 The State Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II

‘I did love the queen, what a woman,’ he penned. ‘I just don’t understand following the coffin around with cameras everywhere and all over TV all day.

‘Now I know I know some people will be well into it and that’s fine but can anyone tell me what time @bbceastenders is on tonight. #alfiesback.’

Many lambasted Shane for his ‘disrespectful’ remarks, with one writing: ‘She gave 70 years of her life for this country and you can’t give her 1 week of TV time. Disgraceful.’

The Queen has been lying in state for four days, as the nation says goodbye at her funeral today.

The day has been declared a national bank holiday in the UK so people can watch the service and pay their respects to Her Majesty, with a two-minute silence to be held at 11.55am.

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