The BBC lost its broadcasting rights for this year’s Commonwealth Games, meaning Clare Balding will not present for the first time in 20 years. In a further sting to the publicly-funded broadcaster, Channel 5, which won the rights, used the TARDIS from Doctor Who in the opening ceremony sketch featuring King Charles and Queen Camilla.
TARDIS sketch in opening ceremony
The opening ceremony in Glasgow began with the monarch arriving in the TARDIS, despite the BBC axing this year’s Christmas special of the sci-fi show. The sketch showed Sir Chris Hoy and Scottish actor Greg McHugh operating the TARDIS on a journey around Scotland, phoning “the palace” about ways to get Charles and Camilla to Glasgow from Balmoral. Charles and Camilla stepped out of the time machine with a cheery wave and crossed the stage to take their seats, greeted by Sir Chris.
Viewer reactions
Fans reacted on social media. One tweeted: “I don't get the Tardis for the opening Commonwealth Games ceremony, was that planned for the Pofaced BBC rather than Ch5. All the Englanders of the day will pile into Glasgow.” Another said: “Whoever had the idea of having the TARDIS at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony... I LOVE YOU.” A third posted: “So the TARDIS in Glasgow that got so many wondering what it was all for…was for the Commonwealth Games intro… on Channel 5…” A fourth said: “Watching the opening of the Commonwealth Games from Glasgow Scotland. They opened with the most British thing… The Tardis going to pick up their majesties at Balmoral Castle to bring them to the opening ceremony.”
