Paddy McGuinness’s appearance on Question Time has sparked a fierce debate on social media, with some accusing the BBC programme of “sinking to a new low” while others praised the celebrity’s contribution.
On Thursday night’s episode, the Question of Sport presenter, 50, joined James Daly, the new Deputy Chair of the Conservatives, and Wes Streeting, Labour's spokesman for health and social care, on the panel.
The TV host quickly stirred controversy on the show when he said he “admired” Sir Keir Starmer's timing to announce Labours plans to ditch a flagship pledge to spend £28billion a year on green projects.
McGuinness also criticised the Conservative Party during his appearance claiming the Tories had “decimated” the country over the past 14 years in power.
The BBC's choice to include him on the panel was met with bewilderment from some on social media, who accused the broadcaster of lowering the show's standards.
“Why is Paddy McGuinness on Question Time? Is it another show that the BBC wants to get cancelled?” one penned on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Another wrote: “#bbcqt oh dear, what the hell…Paddy McGuinness on QT? This has got to be a wind up. Careful Fiona, he'll cancel your show like all the others he's been on. I switched over.”
“'@bbcquestiontime WTF is Paddy McGuinness doing On QT? No likey no lighty is just about his capabilities!” a third posted.
A fourth wrote: “Question Time has sunk to a new low with Paddy McGuinness”.
However, others were more equivocal about his involvement on the panel show, with one saying they were pleasantly surprised by his contribution.
“Never thought I'd say this, but Paddy McGuinness has come across very well on Question Time,” they wrote.
A second shared: “I mean, it's a bizarre booking don't get me wrong, but he's certainly not embarrassed himself & he's expressed far more sensible views than many other '’celebrity'’ bookings in the past.”
“Pleasantly surprised by the omnipresent Paddy McGuinness tonight - wasted on QoS should have been on QT all along,” another remarked.
