BBC's Naga Munchetty defends Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony after furious viewer backlash

BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty has come to the defence of the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony following Friday night's extravaganza, which lasted four hours.

Despite a show-stopping performance by legendary songstress Celine Dion atop the Eiffel Tower, the ceremony's reception was mixed among global viewers.

Team GB made a strong showing at the event, with Olympic champions Tom Daley and Helen Glover proudly carrying the flag along the Seine.

Yet, some fans have labelled the ceremony "the worst in history" due to an untimely downpour, a series of gaffes, and several perplexing segments.

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Naga's colleague Mike Bushell, who tuned in for the ceremony, confessed: "I really enjoyed it, but there was a lot of debate", reports the Express.

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He revealed: "I was on a lot of group chats, and lots of different opinions. A lot of people thought it was a bit weird and disjointed in the end."

However, he acknowledged: "But there were some fabulous moments."

Following Mike's tepid appraisal, Naga suggested that experiencing the ceremony in person would have been a different ball game.

She argued: "I think if you were there and part of the atmosphere it would have been very, very different.

"And then just seeing it on television and being so many steps removed..."

Mike then expressed his amazement: "I still don't know how they got that big floating balloon on fire and into the air. That was spectacular."

Their fellow presenter Charlie Stayt then highlighted what was arguably the biggest letdown of the evening.

"The reality check is the weather was dreadful!" he exclaimed. "I feel when they envisaged those scenes unfolding it was not in those conditions."

"But they carried on," Mike added, clearly impressed. Meanwhile, Naga observed: "And the athletes looked so excited.

"They properly bought into it, so the excitement of the games is still there."

Paris will have another opportunity to dazzle viewers with the traditional Olympics Closing Ceremony, which will conclude the games on Sunday, August 11.

BBC Breakfast airs from 6am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.