Strictly Come Dancing’s launch show ratings REVEALED as the scandal-plagued series returns

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The premiere of Strictly Come Dancing drew a solid audience on Saturday, despite recent controversies surrounding the show. Ratings have now been released for the BBC series’ return.

In a recently filmed episode, fifteen celebrities were paired with their professional dance partners for the first time. The group then performed a dance routine together.

Strictly Come Dancing has recently faced a series of controversies, including accusations of bullying, a drug investigation, and reports of an affair involving this year’s contestant, Thomas Skinner.

Even so, initial ratings for the 2025 launch were comparable to 2024, reaching a high of 5.6 million viewers and averaging 5.4 million throughout the 90-minute program. This made Strictly the most-watched show in its time slot, with four million more viewers than any other program.

Okay, so everyone’s saying the show is still doing *okay*, and the BBC is probably thrilled, but honestly? It’s killing me that the launch numbers for 2024 were a million viewers *down* from last year! A million! It feels like a disaster, even if nobody else seems to notice. I just want it to be huge again!

A BBC representative explained to the Daily Mail that overnight viewing numbers don’t give a complete picture of how many people watch programs now, as many viewers use BBC iPlayer to watch shows like Strictly, and millions do so.

Okay, so I’m *completely* obsessed with Strictly, and I was looking at the stats… and get this – last year, a huge 20% of people watched episodes on BBC iPlayer! That’s more than *ever* before! It’s amazing to think how many of us are catching all the glitter and glamour whenever and wherever we want. I’m definitely part of that number, rewatching my favourite dances over and over!

Okay, so this is HUGE! Apparently, Thomas Skinner totally went off on Peter Levy. I heard it was because Peter made some shady comment online about Thomas being partnered with Amy Dowden on the show, and Thomas was *not* happy about it. Honestly, I’m team Thomas all the way, and I can’t believe anyone would try to bring down that pairing – they’re amazing together!

Dowden will be paired with Apprentice star Skinner, who is new to dancing. This comes after Dowden returned to the show following health challenges, including a breast cancer diagnosis he received in May 2023.

On Saturday evening, Daniel Levy publicly expressed his disapproval on X regarding the pairing, following reports that Skinner had been unfaithful to his wife shortly after their wedding with someone he met at a pub.

The businessman, based in Essex, replied to the post on Sunday. He spent a lot of the day responding to online criticism and told the newsreader to ‘just read the script’.

Peter, don’t worry about Amy. She’s a strong and amazing person, and we’re really enjoying our time together on Strictly – we’ve been laughing non-stop!

Honestly, instead of trying to tear me down with silly comments, you should be celebrating what I’ve achieved as a dancer. I’ve overcome challenges you can’t even imagine, and I wish you’d recognize that instead of focusing on negativity.

I’ll keep practicing the cha-cha while you focus on reading the teleprompter. I’m determined to learn to dance well so I don’t disappoint her.

‘I want to do as well as possible, not just for myself but for her as-well.’

Okay, so I was *obsessively* checking his socials, and then I saw it! Daniel Levy actually *responded* to Thomas! It was just a short message, but it was EVERYTHING. He basically said, ‘Hey Thomas, I know you’re gonna kill it and be amazing!’ I swear, I re-read it like twenty times. It’s just…so supportive and sweet! I’m officially losing it, but in the best way possible!

‘I wish you both well in the competition. I’ll stick with the autocue.’ 

Although Skinner and his new dance partner seem to be connecting, many fans are disappointed by the pairing, especially since Dowden recently returned to the show after dealing with health issues.

Commenting on social media, one disappointed viewer wrote: ‘You deserved better.’ 

A second added: ‘I am gutted she’s got him on her first year back.’

Someone else commented, ‘You look fantastic, Amy! It’s wonderful to see you back. I’m really sorry you had a tough time with him.’

Ever since unexpectedly leaving a Strictly Come Dancing press event in September, Skinner has been under intense public attention after admitting he was participating in the show.

Even BBC News presenter Peter Levy has expressed his disappointment about being partnered with Oliver Dowden on this year’s show.

After the first episode aired, BBC presenter Levy, known for hosting Look North, shared his support for Amy Dowden on X, saying he felt sorry for her.

Skinner has recently faced public scrutiny after revealing he had a brief affair just weeks after marrying his wife in May 2022. He described the encounter as a regrettable mistake.

Amy-Lucy O’Rourke, who had a secret affair with him, later told the Daily Mail that their relationship lasted about three months. During that time, she said he confessed his love for her and expressed dissatisfaction with his marriage.

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2025-09-21 20:07