Viewers of Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg voiced strong displeasure minutes into the June 28 episode, as regular host Laura Kuenssberg was replaced by Victoria Derbyshire. The programme featured Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell, Housing Secretary Steve Reed, Conservative MP Sir James Cleverley, broadcaster Piers Morgan, USDAW General Secretary Joanne Thomas, and former John Lewis chair Sharon White.
Viewer Reactions on Social Media
On X (formerly Twitter), one viewer 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." A third complained that Victoria's "every question in the last 30 minutes has been an attack piece."
However, some viewers welcomed Victoria, with one suggesting: "Keep Victoria in this job, she's far better than Laura Kuenssberg," and another adding: "Hurray Victoria Derbyshire on Laura Kuenssberg, it's actually worth watching this week!"
Piers Morgan Criticised for Interrupting
Piers Morgan also faced backlash. One viewer noted: "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."
BBC Restructuring Behind the Change
Victoria's appearance follows the BBC's announcement that production teams for Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg and Newsnight will merge as part of a £500 million savings plan. The broadcaster aims to cut 2,000 positions over three years. Other changes include BBC Breakfast ending its Sunday broadcast from September and the cancellation of The World Tonight on BBC Radio 4.
Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg airs Sundays at 9am on BBC One.
