Over two decades, few television programs have faced controversies as resiliently as Strictly Come Dancing. Despite various scandals involving participants and professionals like Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, the BBC dance competition remains a beacon of positivity and delight on the small screen, with both accused individuals vehemently denying any wrongdoing.
Facing declining viewership numbers annually and impending departures of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the show is poised for a makeover before the next season, especially with the rise of Celebrity Traitors as a formidable competitor to its status as the BBC’s flagship program.
Attributing the show’s success to terrestrial television’s decline is challenging, considering the impressive viewership exceeding 12 million for Alan Carr’s journey to the final roundtable.
As Tess and Claudia steer the show for at least four more weeks, Strictly Come Dancing is on the brink of a new phase, already implementing significant alterations, notably in its efforts to engage younger audiences.
Embracing social media influencers since Joe Sugg’s participation in 2018, the show welcomed its first TikTok personality, George Clarke, this season. This move has propelled Strictly to garner millions of views on TikTok, with George prominently featured in its most-watched content.
In an unprecedented collaboration, Britain’s Got Talent champions Diversity will team up with Strictly’s professional dancers this weekend. Following this, the show will reintroduce four celebrated alumni – Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness, and Layton Williams – to partake in the professional cast’s routine for Blackpool week.
While willing to experiment with its format, Strictly could draw inspiration from its American counterpart, Dancing with the Stars, which recently celebrated two decades on ABC with impressive ratings, especially among Gen Z viewers.
Featuring a diverse lineup of reality stars, nostalgic TV icons, social media influencers, and presenters, this season of DWTS showcases themed episodes, ranging from TikTok Night to a 20th Birthday Party celebration with former contestants returning to dance alongside current participants, mirroring Strictly’s format.
Despite some perceived gimmicks, DWTS’s thematic approach coupled with active engagement on platforms like TikTok has proven successful, resonating well with audiences.
Strictly’s producers could draw valuable insights from DWTS’s appeal to younger viewers, possibly influencing the selection of Tess and Claudia’s successors. While conventional choices like Zoe Ball or Jenette Manrara are viable, introducing a social media influencer as a co-host, like George Clarke, might be a strategic move for