BBC viewers took to social media to say they 'switched off' minutes into the June 28 edition of Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, which was hosted by Victoria Derbyshire in place of the regular presenter. The 57-year-old broadcaster questioned a string of politicians following a turbulent week at No. 10, including Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell, Housing Secretary Steve Reed, and Tory MP Sir James Cleverley.
Panel and production changes
Joining Derbyshire on the panel were broadcaster Piers Morgan, USDAW General Secretary Joanne Thomas, and former chair of John Lewis, Sharon White. The episode follows the BBC's announcement that the production teams behind Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg and Newsnight will combine as part of a multi-million-pound cost-saving and reorganisation initiative.
The BBC is rolling out a strategy to cut £500 million, including axing 2,000 positions over the next three years. Confirmed changes include BBC Breakfast ceasing Sunday broadcasts from September, and reductions at BBC Radio 4, such as the axing of The World Tonight.
Viewer reactions
Many viewers expressed frustration on X, formerly Twitter. One user wrote: 'Piers Morgan and Lucy Powell on the Laura Kuenssberg show this morning, so that's an OFF for me!' Another said: 'Spare us the football, Piers Morgan and Victoria Derbyshire. This is not a serious programme. I know it's not your regular gig, but this is dire. And Newsnight and LK on Sunday will soon share the same production team. If it involves John McAndrew, it will be a disaster.' A third vented that 'every question in the last 30 minutes has been an attack piece.'
However, some viewers welcomed Derbyshire's contribution, with one proposing she become a regular host: 'Keep Victoria in this job, she's far better than Laura Kuenssberg.' Another concurred: 'Hurray Victoria Derbyshire on Laura Kuenssberg, it's actually worth watching this week!!'
Criticism of Piers Morgan
Piers Morgan also drew criticism for repeatedly talking over fellow panellists. One user vented: 'Piers Morgan being his usual very alpha male self and interrupting all the women on the show.' Another questioned: 'Is this the Piers Morgan Show? Really poor chairing from Victoria Derbyshire, allowing the inflated ego of Morgan to waffle on.' A third simply stated: 'Piers Morgan = I stop watching.'
Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg airs Sundays at 9am on BBC One.
