EX-DANCERS

ON SHOW'S NEXT STEPS

- BY ROSE HILL

Slipping in the ratings, tainted by scandals and usurped by The Traitors as the BBC's top reality show, it has been a tough few years for Strictly Come Dancing.

Now three former stars have told the Mirror how they think the show once seen as the jewel in the Corporation's crown can get its sparkle back.

Vincent Simone wants Strictly to go back to its roots and cut down on the different styles of dance.

Pasha Kovalev says the producers should focus more on the relationships between the pros and the celebrities.

And Brendan Cole believes the show needs to rediscover its innocence.

But as the trio head out as part of a nationwide tour, they all agree on one thing: Their gratitude for everything Strictly has done for them.

Since its high point of providing Saturday night entertainment for 11.14 million people in 2017, the show has lost viewers every year except 2020.

Last year's series, the 22nd, was watched by an average of 8.2m the lowest figure since the pro-celebrity dance-off's very first outing, in 2004.

By contrast, an average of 9.19m people watched series three of The Traitors this year, with the finale almost reaching the 10m mark.

At the same time, the show has made headlines for the wrong reasons.

This week, actor Jamie Borthwick was suspended from his role on East-Enders for using a derogatory term about disabled people while filming Strictly in Blackpool last year.

In January, another 2024 contestant, Wynne Evans, was removed from the Strictly tour over a sexual remark about dancer Janette Manrara.

He also apologised for appearing to grab partner Katya Jones' waist during a show.