Where to Watch Milano Cortina 2026 Closing Ceremony: Terry Gannon, Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski Lead UK Coverage

The grand finale of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics draws near with the Closing Ceremony set for 22 February 2026 at 19:30 UK time, hosted at the iconic Verona Arena in Italy. This spectacular event, expected to last around two-and-a-half hours, promises a celebration of Italian culture, athletic excellence, and Olympic innovation, crafted by creative company Filmmaster[1]. UK viewers can anticipate expert commentary from seasoned broadcaster Terry Gannon, alongside American skating legends Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski, with reporters Andrea Joyce and Lewis Johnson on the ground.

While specific UK broadcast channels for the Closing Ceremony remain unconfirmed in official listings, the event aligns with traditional Olympic coverage patterns on platforms like the BBC, which has long held rights for Winter Games in Britain. The ceremony airs live at 2:30 p.m. ET (20:30 UK time, though UK scheduling adjusts to 19:30), with US coverage on NBC and streaming via Peacock and NBC Olympics platforms[1][2]. For global audiences, including those in Australia on 9Gem and 9Now, commentators Leila McKinnon, Todd Woodbridge, and Olympic gold medallist Lydia Lassila will provide insights.

Leading the UK team, Terry Gannon brings decades of experience as a staple voice in British sports broadcasting. With a career spanning football, athletics, and multiple Olympic cycles for the BBC and Eurosport, Gannon's smooth delivery has narrated everything from Commonwealth Games to Winter Olympics figure skating. Joining him are Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski, the dynamic duo known for their sharp analysis and charisma since partnering for NBC's Olympic coverage post-2014 Sochi Games. Weir, a three-time US champion and 2008 world bronze medallist, transitioned seamlessly from skating stardom to broadcasting, while Lipinski, the youngest ladies' singles Olympic gold medallist at 1998 Nagano, has become a fan favourite for her expertise and flair. Their chemistry elevates figure skating and ceremony commentary, blending technical precision with entertainment.

Reporters Andrea Joyce and Lewis Johnson add depth with on-site reporting. Joyce, a veteran ITV and BBC presenter, has covered numerous Olympics, bringing warmth and detail to athlete stories. Johnson, formerly with NBC, offers American perspective with his track record in Winter sports interviews. Across the Pacific, Australian coverage features Leila McKinnon, a Nine Network stalwart anchoring major events, tennis icon Todd Woodbridge—a 16-time Grand Slam doubles winner now a top commentator—and freestyle skier Lydia Lassila, whose 2010 and 2014 Olympic golds make her a halfpipe authority.

The Verona Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, sets a historic stage for tributes to athletes like Team USA flag bearers Hilary Knight (ice hockey) and Evan Bates (figure skating), the first winter duo to share the honour[2]. Expect music, art, and storytelling highlighting Italy's passion and ingenuity[1]. For more on the venue's legacy, explore Verona Arena history.

As the 25th Winter Olympics conclude, this ceremony honours connections forged amid medal races, including curling finals and bobsled runs earlier that day[3]. Whether tuning into UK feeds or international streams, fans worldwide can relive the magic of Milano Cortina 2026. Stay updated via official Olympics channels for final UK broadcast confirmations, ensuring no moment of this cultural spectacle is missed.

Article generated: 22 February 2026, 18:31 GMT