Strictly Come Dancing, a long-standing BBC dance competition, has managed to endure various controversies over its more than 20-year history. Despite facing scandals involving unfaithful contestants and allegations of misconduct against professionals Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima (which both men deny), the show remains a beloved and uplifting program on television.
However, as the show’s ratings have been declining gradually each year and with the impending departure of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after the current series, it is evident that a significant overhaul will be necessary for the upcoming year. This is especially crucial as the competition faces stiff competition from the BBC’s popular show, Celebrity Traitors.
With over 12 million viewers tuning in to watch Alan Carr reach the final round, it becomes challenging to attribute the declining numbers solely to the decrease in terrestrial TV viewership.
As the current season still has at least four weeks left with Tess and Claudia hosting, a new era for Strictly Come Dancing is on the horizon. The show has already begun implementing changes, particularly focusing on attracting younger audiences.
In recent years, Strictly has been incorporating social media influencers into its lineup, with the inclusion of TikTok star George Clarke this season. This move has significantly boosted the show’s presence on TikTok, with George becoming a central figure in its most-viewed clips.
Furthermore, a unique collaboration is set to take place this weekend between Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity and Strictly’s professional dancers, marking a first for the two groups. Additionally, the show plans to feature four iconic alumni – Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness, and Layton Williams – in the professional cast’s routine during Blackpool week.
While Strictly is open to experimenting with its format, there is room for further innovation by taking inspiration from its American counterpart, Dancing with the Stars. The US show recently celebrated its 20th year with impressive viewership numbers, especially among Generation Z viewers.
Dancing with the Stars’ success can be attributed to its diverse cast, including reality stars, nostalgic TV and film personalities, social media influencers, and TV hosts. Each week, the show follows a themed format, engaging contestants in various challenges like TikTok Night, Wicked Night, and even a Dedication Night featuring family members in the routines.
By observing the popularity of Dancing with the Stars among younger audiences, Strictly’s producers should consider incorporating similar elements into their show. When selecting replacements for hosts Tess and Claudia, while stalwarts like Zoe Ball or It Takes Two’s Jenette Manrara are viable choices, introducing a social media influencer like George Clarke could be a strategic move to appeal to a broader audience demographic.