Inverdale’s star rises as viewers’ anger mounts

JOHN INVERDALE declared yesterday that he has “never been so popular” as the backlash grew against the BBC’s “mess” of a revamped Wimbledon highlights show. Inverdale, who presented

Today at Wimbledon for 14 years, was dropped by the BBC this year to make way for Wimbledon 2Day, hosted by Clare Balding.

The 57-year-old – who landed himself in deep water two years ago after declaring on air that the 2013 ladies’ champion Marion Bartoli was “not much of a looker” – was this year relegated to the commentary box.

But the revamped show has been universally panned, with its format and gimmicks declared “awkward” and pat- ronising. Many viewers have called for a return to concise analysis and more action from the day’s matches.

Such is the uproar that a Twitter campaign called “bring back John Inverdale” has attracted thousands of supporters.

As Inverdale strolled around the grounds yesterday, fans slapped him on the back, telling him: “We miss you John.”

He told a friend he had never been so popular and that if he stood in one spot all day, 5,000 people would probably approach him.

Asked about the furore, Inverdale remained tightlipped, but smiled: “I am aware that people are talking about it.”

A BBC spokesman refused to reveal how many complaints had been made about the new format, claiming the media coverage made it “unrepresentative”.

When the issue was discussed on BBC Radio 4’s

Today programme, presenter Sarah Montague admitted they had failed to find anyone to go on air to defend it.

A BBC spokesman said: “This is a new look for the show this year which we would expect to evolve as the fortnight progresses.”

Clare Balding, asked if she would like to comment, said: “No, I wouldn’t actually.”

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have submitted a planning application for a 3.65-hectare tennis court with an AstroTurf surface to replace an existing one at their Anmer Hall home on the Sandringham Estate.