Fans have accused the BBC Sports presenter Helen Skelton for "not wearing underwear" as she presented the swimming event at the Rio Olympics 2016, on Sunday (7 August). The 33-year-old, who donned a skimpy dress, was seated with her fellow co-host, retired swimmer Mark Foster, who was also wearing short shorts. The fans criticised Skelton, with some believing she was not properly dressed.

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Despite the fact she was presenting until past 2am GMT, UK viewers managed to stay up and watch the swimming event, with one viewer tweeting: "Helen Skelton must be going clubbing after this with that dress on," whilst another added: "Helen Skelton should not spin the chair… can tell she's not wearing any knickers."

Another tweeted: "The @BBCSport presenter #HelenSkelton needs to wear appropriate clothing to present swimming. Many ppl don't want a nightclub mini dress #bbc [sic]."

One user claimed that the former Blue Peter presenter was the reason to why he was still watching the swimming. He tweeted: "Most of us blokes aren't really watching the swimming, Helen!" while one added: "Getting distracted from the swimming by Helen Skelton, Jesus."

Some defended Skelton, complaining about the double standard shown, as Foster's outfit showed far more leg, with one fan tweeting: "#Rio2016 have people got NOTHING better to do than criticise #HelenSkelton over her choice of outfit? (She looked Great!! :-)"

Another said: "#HelenSkelton showing the exact same amount of leg as the guy on the left. Guess the rest."

Scottish journalist Jennifer Hale question why Skelton's choice in outfit should affect how she does her job.

The incident came after Skelton famously flashed her underwear at the London 2012 Olympic Parade. The presenter suffered an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction as her short red dress flew up in a strong wind.

The mother-of-one has moved into sports presenting with the BBC after starting her mainstream career on children's show Blue Peter. She has established herself as one of the top young talents on the channel and also gained huge respect for her reckless fundraising activities.