Who even watches Strictly anymore? That is a question I find myself asking every time I see a Strictly related article–which seems to be constantly. This statement, if a younger me had heard it, would be shocking. Since its inception, millions across the country would wait gleefully all week to watch the iconic show. Nowadays, it appears that the institution that was Strictly Come Dancing is dying a slow death, with viewing figures dropping each season. This begs the question: what has caused the death of the Saturday night show? And for a TV show which apparently fewer and fewer people are watching, why does it generate so much media attention?
Well, undoubtedly, the quality of the show has declined. Although the show has hosted many iconic TV moments over the years, such as Ed Balls’ Gangnam Style or Ann Widdecombe’s ‘Big Bird’ dance, many believe the show has lost its charm. For the seasoned viewer, winners can be easily predicted. According to the Times, which published an article exposing the statistical road to success, contestants must experience a transformational journey on the show in order to win.
Dancers who are ‘too good’ are committing a major Strictly faux pas. In fact, of the six highest-scoring celebrities across the years, all of them have been runners-up. This repetitiveness is limiting, as it reduces its competitiveness against other new and innovative programmes. In a time when TV is readily available on streaming platforms, it is harder for weekly competition shows to keep up.
Many have also attributed the decline of Strictly to being directly related to the never-ending stream of controversy it has battled over the last 10 years. This has caused many potential candidates to turn down the show, for fear of the potentially scandalous consequences. Some contestants, like actor Amanda Abbington, have made complaints about the ‘toxic environment’, whilst others have been accused of inappropriate behaviour, like Jamie Borthwick, who allegedly used ‘unacceptable language’ towards disabled people. The so-called ‘Strictly Curse’ has become formidable in the industry; one talent agent told the Times that joining the cast ‘used to be a no-brainer, but now there is growing reticence’. The succession of crude controversies jars the inherent innocence of the show, potentially ruining its charm. In fact, this season is already embroiled in controversy; divisive former apprentice candidate and friend of US Vice President JD Vance, Thomas Skinner’s appointment as a cast member this season has already been criticised, leaving fans worrying about the direction the show will be taking.
Yet, is there still hope for the iconic Saturday night show? Last year, the show’s first blind contestant, Chris McCausland, became a national hero and ended up winning the series. The Guardian believes that his performance alone will be enough to save Strictly from ruination.
Cover by Bethanie Elizabeth Art