BBC's Mark Chapman slams celebrity crowd cutaways at the 2026 World Cup

BBC presenter Mark Chapman has publicly criticised the volume of celebrity crowd cutaways during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying the trend “winds me up” and that he is “fed up” of cameras panning away from the action to find famous faces in the stands.

Chapman, who has been a regular presenter for the BBC’s World Cup coverage, made the remarks on The Sports Agent podcast alongside co-hosts Gabby Logan and Nedum Onuoha. He was careful to note that neither the BBC nor ITV is responsible for the pictures — those are supplied by the host broadcaster — but made clear his personal irritation with the practice.

“Although, am I being a bit grumpy here when I say I’m fed up of cutaways to famous people in the crowd?” Chapman said. “I mean, listen, we do it in this country as well, and it winds me up. Like, I know that Noel Gallagher’s at a City game, I don’t need to see him every time!”

Chapman singled out the repeated appearances of David Beckham and Tom Cruise, as well as what he described as 27 cutaways to Rod Stewart during a match at Foxborough. “Rod Stewart 27 times the other night at Foxborough!” he said.

He also recounted moments during live broadcasts where a celebrity was cut to in the crowd and he had no idea who they were, only to be told in his earpiece — and still be none the wiser.

The World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer. England are yet to play their first group game, with their Group L opener against Croatia scheduled for Dallas on Wednesday. The Three Lions have already suffered an injury setback, with Tino Livramento withdrawing from the squad ahead of the tournament’s opening fixtures.