Eurovision fans were beside themselves with anger during Saturday night’s highly anticipated final as commentator Mel Giedroyc spoke about Hannah Waddingham speaking French.
Presenter Hannah, 48, showcased her French-speaking talents on the show this week and once again showcased her language skills at the 2023 Song Contest finals.
However, viewers were unimpressed when commentator Mel, 54, decided to redo Hannah’s words into English on the BBC’s live broadcast.
While the Ted Lasso star addressed French-speaking viewers, Mel instead decided to read out the voting rules in English for British viewers.
After briefly speaking French herself, Mel said: “While Hannah speaks French, I should let you know that UK viewers can vote for their favorite act later in the show via phone and via the EBU’s Eurovision app, but not by SMS.’ ‘Put your thumbs away!’
Excitement: Eurovision fans were beside themselves with rage during the much-anticipated final on Saturday night when commentator Mel Giedroyc spoke about Hannah Waddingham (pictured) speaking French
However, her actions sparked outrage from viewers in the UK. Outraged at wanting to listen to Hannah’s French, they said they would “never forgive” her faux pas.
One person tweeted: “Mel Giedroyc talking about Hannah Waddingham while speaking French is a faux pas I can’t forgive.”
Another wrote: “Still angry that Mel Giedroyc felt the need to speak up about what could well be the hottest TV moment of 2023.”
While a third commented, “No Mel Giedroyc WE WANT to hear Hannah Waddingham speak French FFs.”
A fourth tweeted: “Ok; “I have a lot of time for English TV presenters who speak French, but of course Mel Giedroyc talked Hannah Waddingham full there.”
And a fifth said: “Mel Giedroyc I love you but you have to shut up and let me listen to Hannah Waddingham speaking French #Eurovision.”
A sixth wrote: ‘Mel don’t talk about Hannah Waddingham speaking French!’ #Eurovision2023.’
Another added: ‘Mel Giedroyc how dare you talk about Hannah Waddingham while she’s speaking French!’ #Eurovision2023.’
Angry: While the Ted Lasso star addressed French-speaking viewers, Mel instead decided to read out the voting rules for British viewers in English
Anger: Viewers were unimpressed when commentator Mel, 54, decided to redo Hannah’s words into English on the BBC’s live broadcast
It’s not the first time that Hannah’s knowledge of French has caused a stir and impressed viewers, as she showcased her talent in the semifinals.
The actress stunned audiences around the world as she explained the rules of the competition at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena in fluent French.
Her co-moderators Alesha Dixon, 44, and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, 32, read from the teleprompter in English.
Impressed with Hannah’s skills, viewers at home rushed to Twitter to shower her with praise.
One joked: “Hannah Waddingham speaks French. Maybe I’m not gay.”
Another wrote: “People train their entire lives to be as effortlessly charismatic and personable as Hannah Waddingham #eurovision.”
Someone else said: “Watching the #Eurovision semi-finals I have a huge crush on Hannah Waddingham… she’s exactly what I want to be when I grow up.”
One Australian viewer quipped: “Hannah Waddingham is speaking French and I’m a little happier than five minutes ago… #SBSEurovision.”
And another concluded: ‘I think I’m in love with Hannah Waddingham now.’ Beautiful, funny, great voice and she can speak French #Eurovision #EUROVISION2023.’
Hannah had also stunned fans when she cheekily poked fun at Amanda Holden’s language skills while speaking French herself.
Wow! It’s not the first time that Hannah’s knowledge of French has caused a stir and impressed viewers, as she showcased her talent in the semifinals
Hannah sparked hysteria from viewers when she cheekily criticized Amanda Holden – who awarded points on behalf of the UK at the 2021 ceremony.
At the time, Amanda was criticized for making an awkward joke during her presentation, quipping that she didn’t know the difference between French and Dutch. The shocked viewers branded her “arrogant”.
Hannah seemed to point out the error as she took over the moderation, explaining the voting rules for the semi-finals in perfect French, before saying clearly: “Look, Europe, some of us Brits are actually making the effort to learn another language. ”