People have been shocked to discover that BBC coverage of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is not filmed in Japan. Watch the clip below:
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Former six-time Olympic gold medallist, Sir Chris Hoy, 45, shared a photo on Twitter of himself and fellow presenters, Clare Balding, Alex Scott and Katherine Grainger, on set for their televised commentary.
The first picture shows the presenters in the studio against a glamorous background of the Japanese capital's skyline. They seem to be in a high-rise building surrounded by an impressive glass floor.
Yet, Hoy revealed to fans that the background showing the Japanese capital is a green screen and the presenters are not even in Tokyo.
And we're off! Amazing to be part of this fantastic @BBCSport team for @Tokyo2020! And in case you're wondering, we're in sunny Salford not Tokyo.. #instagramvsreality pic.twitter.com/RlvKMUghHd
- Chris Hoy (@chrishoy) July 23, 2021
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the BBC coverage of the Olympics is actually being filmed in Salford.
Production company, Scott Fleary Productions, have created this studio set-up in the BBC's MediaCityUK building.
Take a look at some of the shots from behind the scenes at the BBC Tokyo Olympics Studio Environment...
Working on a project like this is a massive achievement for the whole Scott Fleary family. A massive thanks to everyone who worked on this project! #production #stagedesign pic.twitter.com/O2n1DTcIMt
- Scott Fleary Productions (@scott_fleary) July 23, 2021
The realistic backdrop had some viewers believing the presenters were on location.
People have taken to social media to express their surprise about finding out the truth.
One said: "It's so impressive!!! Had me questioning if you were there or not!!"
Other users are disappointed in the revelation that the background is not real.
"There it goes.... another dream, down the toilet," tweeted another user.
Another user echoed this disappointment: "Another myth shattered."
The virtual background has made some question whether it will be necessary in the future to send presenters to the hosting country.
Garry Thornton tweeted: "Makes you wonder why they'll spend millions of pounds and carbon footprint covering Olympics ever again!"
Team GB Olympians are also taking to TikTok to show the public more behind-the-scenes of the global event.
Ben Harris, 21, is in Great Britain's Rugby 7s squad. His 'day in the life' videos show the public how his team live and train in the Olympic Village Plaza, which is in the Harumi Wharf area of Tokyo.
Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghanhas also debunked reports that dorms have been fitted out with so-called 'anti-sex' beds. Watch here (don't worry, it's not a graphic debunking):
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The speculation began when US runner Paul Chelimo tweeted: "Beds to be installed in Tokyo Olympic Village will be made of cardboard, this is aimed at avoiding intimacy among athletes.
"Beds will be able to withstand the weight of a single person to avoid situations beyond sports."
McClenaghan set the record straight though and called out the 'fake news', demonstrating the durability of his bed by jumping up and down on it.
In a video shared on Twitter, the 21-year-old said: "In today's episode of fake news at the Olympic Games, the beds are meant to be 'anti-sex'.
"They're made out of cardboard, yes. But apparently they're meant to break at any sudden movements.
"It's fake - fake news."
The Olympics' official Twitter account subsequently thanked McClenaghan for his handy demonstration.
The tweet read: "Thanks for debunking the myth. You heard it first from @TeamIreland gymnast @McClenaghanRhys - the sustainable cardboard beds are sturdy! #Tokyo2020."
Words: Daisy Herman
