‘That’s creepy’ say unimpressed Sky News viewers as broadcaster debuts brand new addition to channel
SKY News viewers have been left completely unimpressed as a new studio made its highly-anticipated debut.
Kay Burley previously teased parts of the brand new bespoke set for the special coverage of the UK General Election.
The former TV-AM personality kicked David Jones, Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher out of the Monday Night Football studio.
The Sky News team – which also included Beth Rigby and Sophy Ridge – hijacked the studio and turned it into a new election hub.
Now the news network has revealed the full setup, ready for the big night when the results are to be announced.
Economics and data editor Ed Conway gave viewers a behind the scenes sneak peek of what they can expect, including brand new state of the art graphics displays.
A giant interactive map of the UK lined the floor for what Ed enthusiastically labelled as the ‘dance-floor’.
In a bid to rival the BBC, life-sized figures of Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer popped out from the ground.
At the back of the set was a giant green screen which has been transformed into a virtual projection of Downing Street.
This is complete with a digital recreation of No 10’s legendary pet, Larry the Cat.
The broadcaster posted the video onto both its Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) accounts.
Some fans were extremely critical of the new setup as they slammed the presentation and the new ‘creepy’ look.
One fan wrote: “This is so creepy.”
“I’m not sure the uncanny valley virtual standees bring anything positive to the layout,” fumed a second user.
In reference to the party leader figurines, another added: “Funny how you only show the two.”
However, not everyone agreed as some news buffs could not wait to shower praise on the commercial broadcaster.
When is the general election 2024?
The key points you need to know about the next UK General Election are:
The main date for your diaries is July 4, 2024, when millions of voters will go to the polls for the General Election.
But the process of formally triggering the election will take place on May 24, 2024 when Parliament is prorogued, signalling the end of the parliamentary year.
May 30, 2024 will see Parliament officially dissolved which means all current MPs cease to hold office and vacate their seats.
A crucial moment will be the release of the parties’ election manifestos where they set out their list of pledges for government.
After over a month of campaigning we then go to the polls.
Once votes have been counted, the King asks the leader of the party with the most MPs to become prime minister and to form a government.
A fourth user gushed: “Brilliant. Look forward to watching.”
Meanwhile, a fifth fan exclaimed: “Might watch it on sky since Larry is on [crying with laughter emojis.”
Someone else posted: “I love Your virtual Larry I hope he features throughout the coverage?”