Footie fans fume as shameless BBC air ‘nauseating’ big-budget licence fee ad & payment reminder in World Cup final

FOOTIE fans have been left fuming after the BBC aired a big-budget licence fee ad and payment reminder during the World Cup final. The “nauseating” four-minute clip has sparked fury online as the Beeb were blasted for the shameless new advert at half-time. Footie fans have been left fuming by the BBC’s half-time ad during the World Cup final Credit: BBC The ad came after the halftime show in New Jersey Credit: Shutterstock Editorial In a toe-curling four minute clip, presenter Romesh Ranganathan attempts to flog the broadcaster’s biggest shows including The Traitors and EastEnders. The expensive-looking advert – which features appearances from some of TV’s biggest stars – appears to suggest the Beeb isn’t short of a few bob. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! To make matters worse, the BBC then showed their usual QR code reminder for viewers to “Buy a TV Licence”. Viewers quickly took to social media to vent their rage and slammed the clip as “dreadful”. In a toe-curling four minute clip, presenter Romesh Ranganathan attempts to flog the broadcaster’s biggest shows Credit: PA Fans have slammed the Beeb for the ‘nauseating’ ad Credit: PA One user wrote: “So when we are not being bombarded by a QR code for a BBC TV licence, we were subjected to a dreadful AD. Oh dear how desperate!” Another said: “This desperate BBC ad is beyond nauseating.” A third added: “What did I just witness? BBC spending our money to tell us they’re wonderful and we’re ungrateful?” A third wrote: “How embarrassing was that from the BBC, begging for TV licence revenue. They must seriously be struggling.” Most read in TV Fronted by one of its top stars – comedian and presenter Romesh Ranganathan – the ad features a string of cameos, from global pop star Chris Martin to Only Fools And Horses legend Sir David Jason. Set in EastEnders‘ pub The Queen Vic, Romesh reads the front of the fictional Walford Gazette, emblazoned with the headline “Is The BBC Really Worth It?” As Coldplay star Chris tinkers the EastEnders theme tune on the pub’s piano, Romesh begins singing a ditty, listing the BBC’s strengths, such as its £2.5 billion fundraising efforts and smash hit shows like The Traitors. Traitors host Claudia Winkleman pulls a pint, which is quickly passed to Radio 1 star Greg James, as Romesh pushes through other celebrities to exit The Vic. He bumps into Children In Need‘s Pudsey the Bear, walks past Alan Carr on the drums, and sings of how the broadcaster introduced the nation to Adele. Romesh then takes a stroll through a variety of the BBC’s famous sets. He stumbles upon Ruth Jones‘ Gavin and Stacey character Nessa, who bigs up the benefits of BBC regional radio, before lauding the likes of long-running medical drama Casualty and children’s TV hits such as Mr Tumble and Wallace and Gromit. Romesh is then attacked by the Daleks from Doctor Who, poking fun at the show’s fanbase – a joke that comes as the sci-fi series has been shelved. A classroom full of schoolkids then raves about educational initiative BBC Bitesize, as Romesh clambers into the newsroom and sings about their “thoroughly verified” journalism. Further stars crop up as Romesh sings about Mary Berry, Glastonbury, Wimbledon coverage, Graham Norton, Gladiators and David Attenborough, reminding viewers that “on top of all that, they don’t even have ads!” Documentary legend Louis Theroux then appears, threatening to end the BBC, his hand hovering over a giant on/off switch, adding: “None of this has to exist if we don’t want it to!” Louis launched his career with the BBC and since 1998 has never fronted any programme that wasn’t made by the corporation – but recently made a move to Netflix, effectively bringing to an end 27 years of exclusivity between the Beeb and the acclaimed documentary-maker. Romesh then explains that the money paid for the BBC contributes £6.5 billion for the economy. The ad ends as ballroom dancers prance around Romesh in a grand finale, with Romesh asking once again what the BBC has done for him? Anton Du Beke offers one last suggestion: “Strictly!” This campaign comes after a million people ditched the licence fee in the past year – marking the biggest drop in numbers since the Covid pandemic. According to the corporation’s own annual report, over 500,000 people stopped paying the fee in the past year. Comment now