Twenty years ago, a journalist burst into a meeting of senior newspaper executives with an enthusiastic prediction about a new ballroom dancing competition show that she believed would change Saturday night TV viewing forever. This show, Strictly Come Dancing, featured novices paired with professional dancers competing for a glitterball trophy, hosted by the legendary Bruce Forsyth. The journalist was so entranced by the first episode that she predicted it would overshadow Simon Cowell’s domination of Saturday nights, praising its absence of malice and gentle portrayal of dancing roles.
However, in the present day, Strictly Come Dancing’s existence has been threatened by a series of bullying scandals involving contestants and professional dancers as it prepares for its 20th anniversary series. These scandals began with accusations made by Amanda Abbington against her pro dancer partner Giovanni Pernice, claiming he was cruel, abusive, and mean during rehearsals, leading to her suffering from Post Traumatic Stress disorder and other alleged traumas. Amanda has become a vocal critic of Strictly, appearing in multiple interviews detailing her experiences and seeking damages from the show.
The problem within Strictly Come Dancing appears to extend beyond the dancers, with the judges becoming more critical over the years, the show losing its joyful celebration of dance, and the pro dancers becoming as famous as the celebrities they partner with. The culture within the show has evolved into a more demanding, punishing exercise rather than a supportive learning environment. Furthermore, the revelation that many celebrities in recent seasons have had previous dance experience has raised questions about the fairness of the competition and the original premise of featuring amateur contestants.
Various incidents, scoring inconsistencies, and strides towards inclusivity and diversity, such as the introduction of the first same-sex male couple in the show, have raised concerns among fans and critics alike, tarnishing the reputation of Strictly Come Dancing. The demands placed on participants, coupled with the controversies and scandals surrounding the show, have led to a loss of faith in the once-beloved program. The BBC, as the broadcaster of Strictly, faces serious questions about its handling of contestants and professionals, with Amanda’s legal battle threatening to drag on for an extended period and further damage the show’s reputation.
As Strictly Come Dancing approaches its 20th anniversary series, the show finds itself in a vastly different landscape from its early days of innocence and celebration of dance. The ongoing scandals, controversies, and changing dynamics within the show have sparked a sense of disillusionment among fans, who feel that the essence of what made Strictly special has been lost. With internal inquiries ongoing and the future of the show uncertain, the legacy of Strictly Come Dancing hangs in the balance, with many questioning whether it can regain the magic and charm it once possessed in its early years.
