Comedian Katy Brand criticises Strictly bosses as she reveals the joke she refused to perform during Christmas Special appearance

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Katy Brand has voiced her disapproval of the producers of Strictly Come Dancing following her appearance on the show’s 2012 Christmas special.

The 47-year-old comedian, who danced with Anton Du Beke, finished near the bottom of the leaderboard with her Viennese Waltz. She says producers gave her jokes to tell during the show, but she chose not to deliver them on camera.

Katy, the writer behind Netflix’s Thursday Murder Club, also mentioned that fellow contestant Dame Sheila Hancock, 93, wouldn’t say that appearing on Strictly Come Dancing had always been a lifelong dream, even when show producers suggested she say it.

She shared on Instagram that during her time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012, the producer asked her to say a couple of things for the introductory video. They wanted her to state, “I live to make people laugh,” and also, jokingly, “When I heard I was doing a Viennese Waltz, I was confused because I thought it was a biscuit.”

I refused to say those things on camera, and I hope that inspires you to take control of how your own message is presented.

Katy shared a story about a conversation with Dame Sheila Hancock. Apparently, a producer once asked Dame Sheila to say she’d always dreamed of a particular role. Dame Sheila, unimpressed, simply replied that she had already played Lady Macbeth! Katy hopes Dame Sheila doesn’t mind her sharing this anecdote, as she greatly admires her.

Daily Mail have contacted BBC and Dame Sheila Hancock’s representatives for comment. 

Reports suggest BBC executives are holding auditions this week for the next host of ‘Strictly Come Dancing,’ with nine celebrities competing for the role.

After Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly left the popular show last year, the BBC is now searching for new hosts to give it a revitalized feel.

Nine finalists are preparing for a showdown in London. They’ve been brought to a secret location to perform complete dress rehearsals, complete with a live band and judging panel, to determine the winner.

BBC executives are conducting private auditions and chemistry tests with potential celebrity contestants starting Monday and continuing through Friday. They’ve also had all the stars sign confidentiality agreements to maintain secrecy around the process.

According to a source, the show isn’t just about reciting lines from a teleprompter. Producers are also evaluating how well the contestants collaborate and if they’re funny, meaning anyone could still win.

Those selected for the final evaluation will be carefully observed, and leaders are aiming to reach a decision in the near future.

The show will feature familiar faces like Rylan Clark, Emma Willis, Tom Allen, podcast host Angela Scanlon, and Alex Jones from The One Show.

Joining the judging panel are familiar faces from television and radio, including Alison Hammond from This Morning, Bradley Walsh of The Chase, drag artist La Voix from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball.

According to a source, the show is focusing on finding contestants who have instant chemistry and can create exciting energy for a live broadcast this year.

The show could continue with its two female hosts, as that format has been very successful. However, they’re also considering other options and are willing to try something different.

I’m really hoping Rylan and Tom Allen work well together – I think they’d be absolutely brilliant and so funny as a duo! Honestly, it would be amazing if they even brought in another presenter to keep things extra lively and unpredictable.

Bosses are believed to be testing a range of combinations and nothing is off the table.

Daily Mail have contacted the BBC representatives for comment.  

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2026-04-20 11:22