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Simon Duke

Sewing Bee final sparks complaints to BBC as show 'shunted' for Andy Murray and fans miss result

BBC viewers have hit out at the broadcaster for 'shafting' the final of Great British Sewing Bee for Andy Murray's Wimbledon defeat, with those recording the show getting the tennis instead.

Days after fans of much buzzed about new drama Sherwood had some choice words for the BBC, after it was moved to BBC2 without any word of warning, due to Murray's first round match going on into the night, channel bosses found themselves in hot water again as the former champion's second round tie against John Isner went to four sets.

With The One Show and EastEnders moved to BBC2 for the duration of Wimbledon, the action on Centre Court took the prime slot on BBC1, although the millions who tuned in were left disappointed as American Isner took a 2-0 set lead. Murray managed to pull things back by winning the third, as the clock edged closer to Sewing Bee starting at 9.

READ MORE: BBC's Sue Barker sparks 'desperate' plea from John McEnroe

And, minutes before the final was due to kick off on BBC1, it was down to lead host Sue Barker to deliver a message to those hoping to watch it, confirming it had been moved to BBC2. While appreciative of the warning, after one failed to be given for Sherwood's scheduling change, die hard fans of the much loved textiles series, argued that should have taken precedence, especially those who'd hit record, assuming it was on One.

Taking their complaint to Twitter, one posted: "The people watching tennis could have been told to switch to BBC2 where as those of us recording sewing bee on BBC1 have now missed the first half of the final. It’s the final and BBC prioritises Murray losing at tennis. Where’s the apology?"

Equally perturbed on behalf of those who's recorded Sewing Bee, another tweeted: "Now, I’m no fan of the Great British Sewing Bee, but plenty are, and it’s been unceremoniously dumped on BBC2, meaning that anyone that’s gone out and recorded it, will get the mournful Andy Murray instead. Put the tennis on 2 … simple really."

And, echoing those exact sentiments, a third remarked: " @bbcsport you continue to mess with schedules for Wimbledon year after year. This evening you could have moved the Murray Isner match to BBC2 & allowed the Sewing Bee final to go ahead as planned on BBC1. But no. I like the tennis but know others recorded Sewing Bee and missed it."

*SPOILER ALERT* Murray ended up losing 3-1 and Annie won Sewing Bee.

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