ITV The Games viewers switch off after ‘boring’ opening night

The formula of The Games seems exciting enough, putting celebs through their paces with a series of high-speed sporting events. The opening event saw the women take to the track as they battled to come out on top in the hurdles.

However, many viewers struggled to make it even that far. People were tuning in, hoping to see a fast-paced nature to the competition, with the events taking the priority.

However, a large number of people agreed that there was far too much talking and not enough running. The studio scenes with hosts Holly Willoughby and Freddie Flintoff talking to guests Denise Lewis and Yung Filly seemed to stretch an age, and that was before Tyson Fury got involved.

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The VTs previewing each activity also appeared to drag. One hammer throw and a 50 second hurdles race in one hour of television did not keep everyone gripped.

Among the Twitter responses, @BarneyClarke73 said: “So #thegames has been on 47mins and we've seen one race and six people throw a hammer. The ratio of talking to action is poor!”

@Lisalisey87 said: “I'd rather see more of the training than all this waffling. All this chat isn't necessary and it's boring!! #TheGames”

@JayHBaker94 concurred: “We have only seen two events in 55 Minutes. It's long winded…”

@TheChiantiKid2 was very damming, stating: “Car crash start: Z listers, amateur dancers, cringey opening, all talk and no action, 85 presenters and tears. The worst of British television and the dumbing down culture. Just waiting for the first dramatic injury. Just play Superstar reruns #TheGames.”