BBC Strictly Come Dancing uproar as beloved part of show 'axed' in 'cost-cutting move'

Strictly Come Dancing
-Credit: (Image: (Image: BBC))


Fans are up in arms over the BBC's latest "cost-cutting" move, which sees a major change to one of their beloved shows. The broadcaster has decided to scrap the official blog for Strictly Come Dancing, directing fans to engage on other social media platforms instead. For years, the Strictly Come Dancing blog has been a go-to source for die-hard fans, offering weekly song reveals, announcements, statements, and updates post-elimination. On Tuesday 18 September, the BBC broke the news on the blog: "We understand that a community has built up over the years and some of you will find this disappointing, however, in line with changing audience behaviours a decision has been made to direct users to our social channels where there are active communities discussing the show on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok."

They further announced the imminent closure of the blog and its comment section: "The Strictly blog and its comment section will soon be closing in line with other blogs across the BBC, with content no longer being published or updated. This blog will remain open for 24 hours before closing to comments permanently." The post concluded with a note of gratitude and an invitation: "Thank you for your contributions over the years, and we hope that you join us on our social channels," reports the Express.

Cast of the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing
The Strictly line up for the new series -Credit:No credit
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke
Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke. have returned for the new series -Credit:PA

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However, viewers were quick to express their outrage in the comments, with one particularly disgruntled fan saying: "I am not on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok so thank you BBC, NOT! ! ! ! ! " One fan expressed their disappointment, saying: "I don't know whether I'm more upset or angry that the BBC has decided to close this blog. I really don't think that I will be as invested in the show, although I will still watch it. It was great to see the tunes on Tuesday and discuss them. Those who know more about dance than I do were able to say which tunes would work for which dances."

Another fan echoed this sentiment, stating: "Shame on you, BBC. We don't all use social media and even if we did I don't think it would replace our blog family."

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing launched last week, and the first live show will be broadcast on Saturday 21 September.

Among the celebrities competing this year are 1980s pop star Toyah Wilcox, reality star Pete Wicks, actor Shayne Ward and footballer Paul Merson.