'Silent MOTD was most soul-destroying 20 minutes of TV I have ever witnessed'

16 March 2023 , 16:12

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It’s a comical state of affairs that led to last Saturday’s voiceless MOTD (Image: PA)

Blimey, Sir David Attenborough was playing a dangerous game as he launched his new BBC series last Sunday night.

First he announced that in Britain, “We are in just the right place to welcome migrants.”

Then he dared to say, “Britain is rich in places, but as a whole we are one of the poorest in Europe.”

Luckily, Sir David was simply talking about the birds that visit these shores and the amount of important natural habitat we have.

Wild Isles should therefore avoid the grim fate that befell Match Of The Day.

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The only surprise was that the BBC didn’t clarify Sir David’s words during the actual broadcast. Because that’s the ridiculous position the BBC has allowed itself to be placed in.

It’s a comical and unworkable state of affairs that led to last Saturday’s voiceless, soundtrackless MOTD highlights package.

The most bleak, soul-destroying 20 minutes of television I have ever witnessed. And I’ve been watching EastEnders since 1985, remember.

What I would have given to hear Gary Lineker marking Philip Billing’s winner for Bournemouth with a quick “Bournemouth enjoyed top Billing.”

In normal times, it might have served as a stark “careful what you wish for” for all but the most rabid of Defund The BBCers.

And yet. Social media was full of “what a refreshing change” mischief-makers, whose posts were gleefully amplified by the BBC’s media rivals.

As was the subsequent news that ratings were up 500k on the previous week.

No mention that this was partly down to rubberneckers, and partly down to mathematics - the previous week’s figure was, after all, averaged over a 90 minute broadcast which ran well beyond most bedtimes.

The BBC can’t afford to waste its breath arguing the toss over such details, however. It has a much bigger issue to deal with.

Namely? That although millions will have seen how terrible the silent MOTD was and what a glorious, celebratory piece of television Wild Isles is, many will still deny that the licence fee is worth every penny.

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The Beeb needs to win those people round pretty sharpish.

Or else it won’t just be the footie going silent in future.

Ian Hyland