Where is the BBC Olympics studio? Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games broadcasting location after Dan Walker Twitter post

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics have been underway for five days now, with the sporting action providing some must-see moments for the viewers.

However, it has been the BBC’s Olympic studio that has been stealing the attention of some viewers, with several wondering whether they are actually in Tokyo or the UK?

The BBC’s main presenters and pundits have been based in the UK during the Games, despite the studio virtual backdrop.

Here’s all you need to know about where and what the BBC Olympic Studio is.

Where is the BBC Olympic studio?

Despite the studio’s impressive backdrop, the BBC are not reporting live from city centre Tokyo.

The studio is in fact located in Salford, Greater Manchester.

The sprawling Tokyo skyline in the background has been created by virtual reality (VR) technology. Along with the skyline – the wooden structure, surrounding plants, and glass floor have also been created by the VR technology.

The technology used in MediaCity is also used to create the dynamic studio environment seen on the BBC’s coverage of the Euro’s 2020, and the Match of the Day studio.

The BBC Sport team usually sets up camp at the Olympic grounds of the host country, but the pandemic has seen limitations on who can attend the games. The BBC have adapted to the travel restrictions, instead opting to send a handful of on-the-ground reporters to cover the games, and have had all their main broadcasters and commentators be based in Salford.

Some viewers were shocked to learn of the studio’s UK location after Sir Chris Hoy and Dan Walker posted images of the large green screen studio in real life.

As the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 got underway on Friday July 23, the former Team GB cyclist tweeted: “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”

Addressing the bright green background in the studio, Dan Walker wrote on Twitter: “We are about to go LIVE on @bbcbreakfast from our #OlympicBreakfast set which starts tomorrow from 5am until 9.

“See you on BBC1 in a mo. It all looks green but @SamanthaQuek and I are actually on a virtually rooftop pagoda with Tokyo behind us.”(sic)