Strictly Come Dancing, a long-standing BBC dance competition enduring various controversies over its two-decade run, remains a resilient and beloved TV show. Despite scandals involving contestants and allegations against professionals Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, the show has maintained its uplifting and joyful essence. Both accused professionals have denied any wrongdoing.
However, with declining ratings and the imminent departure of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the show faces the need for a significant overhaul to compete against the rising popularity of shows like Celebrity Traitors. The program’s viewership remains substantial, as evidenced by over 12 million viewers tuning in to watch Alan Carr’s performances.
As Strictly Come Dancing prepares for a new chapter post-Daly and Winkleman, it is already implementing changes to attract a younger audience demographic. The show has been incorporating social media influencers, with TikToker George Clarke joining the recent cast, resulting in a surge of views on the show’s TikTok page.
In an innovative move, Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity will team up with Strictly’s professional dancers for a unique collaboration this weekend. Additionally, the show plans to feature former contestants like Ashley Roberts and Danny Mac in upcoming routines during Blackpool week.
While Strictly is open to experimenting with its format, there is potential to draw inspiration from Dancing with the Stars, its American counterpart. The US series, now in its 20th year, has seen increased viewership, especially among Gen Z, by incorporating themed episodes and engaging with TikTok trends.
By learning from the success of Dancing with the Stars, Strictly can enhance its appeal to younger viewers. Considering potential replacements for Daly and Winkleman, the show may benefit from selecting a co-host with a strong social media presence like George Clarke, who has proven to resonate well with the audience.
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