The BBC has addressed criticism over their decision to have in-studio presenters for their coverage of the One World: Together At Home concert.

Originally taking place overnight on Saturday, the BBC showed select highlights of the event on Sunday, interspersed with clips of Dermot O’Leary, Claudia Winkleman and Clara Amfo in a studio.

Although the hosts all stuck to social distancing guidelines during the broadcast, some viewers questioned whether it was necessary for them to be recording out of their homes in the first place, particularly as the US broadcast was presented by stars filming themselves.

In response to this, the BBC has issued a statement insisting that they adhered to the rules surrounding social distancing at all times.

“This was a live two hour broadcast with numerous pre-recorded and live inserts and it was safer for the production team to work in a single controlled space that operates within the government guidelines of social distancing than to have multiple recording locations for the presenters,” a rep for the broadcaster told The Mirror.

“Only essential workers were present in the studio, they remained at least 2m apart from one another and were advised of the health and safety protocols in advance.”

One World: Together At Home featured performances from a range of high-profile stars including Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, John Legend and Lady Gaga, who also helped put the event together.

The event raised more than £100 million for coronavirus relief, which prompted an apology to Gaga from Piers Morgan, who was initially sceptical about her collaboration with Global Citizen and the World Health Organisation.