Strictly DRAMA!

From unhappy viewers to judges at war, what's really going on at Strictly?

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It scooped the gong for Best Talent Show at the NTAs this year – as well as in several previous years – but while it’s undoubtedly one of the most popular shows on TV, could  the wheels be falling off behind the scenes at Strictly Come Dancing?

This year’s opening show pulled in 6.6 million viewers, compared to 6.8 million last year and 7.9 million in 2021. The hit BBC show, which began back in 2004, was once a family favourite that was all about the dancing. But with contestants said to be falling out backstage, the judges clashing on air and fans saying that it’s time for a change, is Strictly due a shake-up?

Viewers’ criticism

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have been at the helm together since 2014, when Claudia took over from the late Bruce Forsyth, and while we can hardly imagine Strictly without the duo, fans appear to be tiring of them. ‘I really do think it’s about time Strictly had new presenters. Tess and Claudia are as stale as Craig’s criticisms,’ one viewer said, while another added, ‘Tess & Claudia painfully continue to cancel each other out. Claudia’s so patronising & deeply irritating. Needs an overdue freshen up.’ While a third unhappy fan commented, ‘I genuinely don’t think Tess wants to be there any more.’