Question Time viewers fume at 'worst episode ever' as small boat row erupts

Question Time viewers fume at 'worst episode ever' as small boat row erupts The latest episode saw host Fiona Bruce heading to Peterlee. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Megan Bull 07:51, Fri, Oct 9, 2026 Updated: 07:58, Fri, Oct 9, 2026 Thursday's episode of Question Time received plenty of complaints (Image: BBC) BBC Question Time has come under fire, with fans dubbing this week's instalment the "dullest" episode ever. Returning on Thursday night (8 October), the series saw host Fiona Bruce travelling to Peterlee in County Durham, where she was joined by Justice Minister Jake Richards, Tory MP Harriet Cross, Lib Dem MP Max Wilkinson, and journalists Kevin Maguire and Annabel Denham. During the programme, the panel addressed the ongoing migrant crisis , with Maguire clashing with an audience member and later, fellow panellist Denham. After an audience member argued that UK citizens are only bothered by migrants who enter the country but "don't want to work," Maguire fired back. "We don't let them work! That's it. You can't accuse them of not working when we don't let them work," he fumed. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Disagreeing with Maguire's later comments that Migrants weren't being given "everything for free," Denham clashed with the journalist, too. "We are a soft touch country. "You cannot say illegal migrants are faced with no choice, and are fleeing terror and persecution, yet in the same breath, suggest that they're being put up in grotty accommodation on only £10 a day. Which is it?" she asked. Get reviews, gossip and upcoming show releases plus selected offers and competition I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Following the episode, viewers took to X, with several complaining about the "weak panel". Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT "Possibly the dullest #bbcqt I've ever seen. Where on earth is Peterlee? The back of beyond? It was like watching something from the 1970's. I was expecting [broadcaster] Robin Day to pop up at any moment," wrote one. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Celeb Traitors bombshell as 'unthinkable' incident forces show bosses to scrap huge plans Strictly Come Dancing bosses finally address new presenters after backlash “You can’t accuse them of not working when we don’t let them work”The Daily Mirror’s Kevin Maguire and The Daily Telegraph’s Annabel Denham debate with the #bbcqt audience on small boat migrant crossings to the UKWatch now: https://t.co/4BRhhWLMLK https://t.co/HAIVpSsEwh — BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) October 8, 2026 "#bbcqt that has to be the worst panel for as long as I remember," noted a second. "Weak panel on #bbcqt this week. I am appalled to hear a Labour MP @JakeBenRichards support parenting orders; punishment that addresses problems that may be rooted in poverty, inequality and inadequate public services," tweeted a third. Meanwhile, a fourth remarked, "How bloody tiring it was to have @Kevin_Maguire shout down absolutely everyone because that's the only way he can get his insane points across. What an absolute slog of an hour." Question Time BBC Fiona Bruce Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments