Former BBC boss who launched Strictly Come Dancing calls for it to be rested next year in a bid to rebuild its reputation

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In recent years, the popular show Strictly Come Dancing has faced several controversies. These include accusations of bullying, reports of drug use, and even a physical altercation between two professional dancers.

So much as the drama that there have been calls for the BBC One dance programmed to be axed.

Even a former BBC executive involved in the original launch of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 now suggests the show take a break next year. He believes this would allow it to regain its popularity and avoid a hasty search for replacements for hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Sam Hodges, the BBC’s former head of communications with over a decade of experience, recently suggested on LinkedIn that temporarily stopping production could actually highlight the value of the content. He proposed a break, similar to Glastonbury Festival’s occasional ‘fallow years,’ perhaps in 2026.

Hodges, previously employed at Twitter and Netflix, joined PR firm The Romans in 2023. He believes a break would help ‘re-energize’ Strictly Come Dancing.

He recalls launching Strictly Come Dancing over 20 years ago while working as an Assistant Publicist at the BBC. Back then, it was just a low-priority show, initially called ‘Pro-Celebrity Come Dancing,’ and no one imagined how popular it would become.

I believe it’s time, for the first time, to consider following Glastonbury’s example and taking a break in 2026 – a ‘fallow year’ to rest and recharge.

Although this series faced numerous challenges, it might actually be most remembered for reminding viewers what they appreciate about it. It’s better to focus on what’s valued, rather than quickly seeking fixes by hiring new people.

TV shows don’t usually end at their peak; they often conclude with a weak final season or a scandal. Similarly, Glastonbury’s breaks between festivals actually increase demand for tickets, rather than letting other festivals gain popularity. These breaks give both the festival itself and its performers a chance to recharge and come back stronger.

‘To save the show’s reputation, 2026 might be the year for the BBC and Strictly to do the same.’

Hodges’ recent comments sparked anger among some of his ex-colleagues at the Corporation, as they don’t believe audiences want a break from current programming.

However, it is undeniable that there have been scandals since 2023.

Earlier this year, Wynne Evans, a former contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, was removed from the show’s live tour after making inappropriate comments to Janette Manrara, the host of It Takes Two. Also in 2024, Amanda Abbington alleged abuse by Giovanni Pernice, prompting an internal investigation. While most of her serious accusations were ultimately unsubstantiated, Pernice was cleared of the majority of them.

Last year, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima was fired after an incident where he kicked his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, during practice. Additionally, allegations of cocaine use have surfaced, and two former participants in the show have been arrested on suspicion of rape.

After announcing their departure from the BBC’s popular entertainment show in a video message halfway through the season in October, show bosses now need to find new hosts to replace Tess and Claudia.

The future of Strictly Come Dancing now depends on finding the right replacements for its departing stars. A poor choice could be very damaging for the show, which has already faced several controversies recently.

Just last week, Strictly Come Dancing received more disappointing news when the viewership numbers for the 2025 final were released.

Karen Carney, a former professional footballer, and her partner Carlos Gu won the competition’s final, defeating George Clarke and Amber Davies.

Even with a particularly glamorous cast this year, the show didn’t attract as many viewers as before, and the finale’s ratings dropped for the fourth consecutive year.

The show reached its highest viewership last year with 9.3 million viewers, but this year’s numbers were lower, topping out at 8.4 million.

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2025-12-31 15:21