BBC avoids viewer backlash by airing full World Cup final halftime show, presenter Gabby Logan spared

Published Jul 20, 10:15 AM UTC

The BBC and presenter Gabby Logan avoided viewer complaints by broadcasting the entirety of the World Cup final's half-time show on BBC One. This came after controversy at the tournament's opening ceremony, when the BBC cut away from Michael Buble's performance to focus on football analysis, sparking backlash from fans and a private exchange between Logan and Buble. Logan, 53, became the first female presenter of a men's World Cup final on the BBC, joined by pundits Joe Hart, Micah Richards, and Wayne Rooney. The half-time show at MetLife Stadium featured a bizarre mash-up including Madonna, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, BTS, the Muppets, Ted Lasso, Justin Bieber, and Shakira. Rooney delivered a harsh critique of the spectacle. The BBC's decision to show the full performance without interruption prevented a repeat of the earlier fan outrage.