The BBC has confirmed the return of Question Time after it was pulled from its regular Thursday slot due to the UK local elections. The programme will air a post-election special on Friday, May 8, at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, broadcast live from London.
Election Coverage Causes Schedule Shake-Up
Question Time typically airs on Thursday evenings, but this week it was moved because the local elections took place on Thursday, May 7. Polling stations remained open until 10pm, and broadcasters are prohibited from airing election-related political content until they close. As a result, the programme was taken out of its regular slot.
Presenter Fiona Bruce alerted viewers to the change last week, stating: "Let me just say that we are in London next week for our programme and we are not going to be on air on Thursday. That's the results night for the elections. We are going to be on air on Friday when most of the results will have come in. So we shall see where we are. So if you want to be part of that programme in London next Friday, go to the Question Time website and follow the instructions there."
Extensive BBC Election Day Coverage
On Friday, BBC viewers have seen extensive coverage of the elections, with Sophie Raworth leading the coverage alongside Vicki Young. This follows a special election edition of Breakfast live from Salford on BBC One. In the evening, presenter Laura Kuenssberg joined Sophie for an elections special at 7pm, ahead of the Question Time special. An extended Newsnight election special hosted by Matt Chorley also aired.
Question Time will resume its standard Thursday slot the following week, on May 14, broadcasting from Brecon.
Backlash Over Guest Invitations
This scheduling change comes after viewer backlash regarding the invitation of Reform UK's Zia Yusuf, who does not hold elected office. Yusuf made his second appearance on the show in 2026, marking his seventh appearance in 18 months. Critics argued that one of Reform's sitting MPs or party leader Nigel Farage should have been featured instead.
Question Time is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
