Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 2 hrs ago
BBC plans crisis meeting to revive Strictly Come Dancing
BBC bosses plan a meeting to discuss reviving Strictly Come Dancing as the show reaches the halfway point of its 24th series.
The programme has faced falling ratings and criticism of its new hosts, Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, who replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Willis has been praised, while Widdicombe and Radebe have been criticised for mistakes with lines and timing.
Strictly has been a BBC fixture since 2004, but producers say it has become harder to attract well-known celebrity contestants.
Producers want to bring back more glamour and energy to the show.
The BBC is also considering changes to the presenting line-up, including the possibility that Radebe could join the judging panel if a judge leaves.
A revamp for next year is the aim, as insiders say it is too late to make major changes to this series.
BBC bosses plan to hold a meeting to discuss how to revive Strictly Come Dancing.
The meeting follows falling ratings and criticism of the programme’s new presenters during its 24th series.
A show insider said it was too late to change the current series but that the programme could be overhauled for next year.
The new presenting team is Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, who replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
- Who
- BBC bosses and senior Strictly Come Dancing producers.
- What
- They plan a meeting to discuss ideas for reviving the show.
- When
- The 24th series is at its halfway point; the meeting is planned but no date is stated.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Ratings have fallen and the new presenters have faced criticism.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Strictly Come Dancing has featured celebrity line-ups, with a show source saying many big household names have already taken part.
The Mail on Sunday reported that BBC bosses knew changes to the presenting line-up were needed.
The Daily Mail reported that BBC bosses planned a meeting to discuss ideas for reviving the show.
- Series
- 24th
- Planned event
- BBC crisis meeting
- Current hosts
- Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe
- Former hosts
- Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
- First year of show
- 2004
What people are saying
Nobody wants to give up on Strictly. It's a brilliant show and everyone inside the BBC believes that.
It needs the jazz and glamour put back into it, and they are determined to do that.
Realistically, it's too late for this series but there is no way that it can't be overhauled for next year.