Strictly Come Dancing bosses hold crisis talks over falling ratings

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 09:47 · Archive

Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly holding crisis talks to revamp the show after ratings fell below 5 million.

Strictly Come Dancing's ratings have fallen sharply this series, prompting BBC bosses to hold crisis talks on how to revamp the show. The launch show, which introduced new presenting trio Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, attracted 5.3 million overnight viewers. As the series has progressed, ratings have remained around 5 million—considerably below last year's 10 million and below ratings for The Great British Bake Off and ITV dramas.

The changes to the show, including new hosts, new professionals and format changes, have attracted complaints from viewers. Some viewers have criticised Widdicombe's hosting skills, with some describing him as a 'spare part' and blaming him for autocue issues. According to the Mail on Sunday, BBC executives are 'bereft' over how the cherished 'Premier League product' is now operating at a 'League One standard'.

An insider told the Mail that 'nobody wants to give up on Strictly', describing it as 'a brilliant show'. They said: 'It needs the jazz and glamour put back into it, and they are determined to do that.' The BBC is planning a proper meeting where ideas will be put forward on how to resurrect the show for viewers. William Hill has given Widdicombe 1/4 odds of being excluded from next year's presenting line-up.

How it is being reported

• Josh Widdicombe's odds of being axed from Strictly revealed as bosses hold 'crisis talks'Bosses are reportedly ‘scrambling’ to find a way to ‘resurrect’ the show amid plummeting ratingsEvening Standard · 3 Nov, 09:27
• Strictly Come Dancing bosses to ‘hold crisis talks on how to revamp show’We could be in for more changes.Metro · 1 Nov, 13:37

In this story: BBC · Emma Willis · Josh Widdicombe · Johannes Radebe · Strictly Come Dancing

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