Michael Barrymore has criticized the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, labeling the long-running dance competition "too controlled and contrived." The former ITV star suggests that the show's current format lacks the necessary edge to win back audiences amidst declining viewership.
A drop from 6.7 million viewers to a 'safe' formula
The critique from the 74-year-old presenter comes as Strictly Come Dancing struggles to maintain its former dominance. As reported by the Radio Times, the pre-recorded launch show for the 22nd series averaged 5.3 million viewers, a notable decrease from the 6.7 million peak seen in previous years.
This decline follows a period of significant controversy for the BBC, including allegations regarding the treatment of celebrity contestants and the departure of professional dancers such as Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima. Michael Barrymore argues that the BBC has responded to these issues by making the show "too safe," a move he believes ignores the demands of modern audiences who are increasingly savvy about television formats.
The shift from Tess Daly to a multi-host lineup
The BBC has attempted to revitalzie the program by replacing long-term hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman with a new presenting team consisting of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe. While this change was intended to refresh the brand, initial viewer reactions to the new lineup have been mixed.
Michael Barrymore suggests that this move toward a multi-host model is a strategic attempt to "spread the risk ," a tactic he notes is already used by shows like Bake Off. By having multiple presenters, the BBC ensures the show can continue even if a single star is cancelled or departs, but Barrymore contends this approach sacrifices the personality-driven "edge" that once defined Saturday-night television.
Shirley Ballas and the threat of a US departure
Beyond the changes in hoosting, the future of the judging panel remains a primary concern for BBC executives. Head judge Shirley Ballas is reportedly contemplating a move to the United States to be closer to her son, Mark , a professional dancer on America's Dancing With The Stars.
The potential loss of Ballas would represent a major blow to the show's continuity. Insiders suggest that the BBC relied heavily on the judges to provide a sense of stability this year,and any sudden departure could further destabilize a production already facing a "testing start" to its latest series .
The looming December showdown over £300,000 salaries
Financial negotiations are set to become a flashpoint for the BBC when the current season concludes in December. The report highlights that judges' salaries are estimated to be between £200,000 and £300,000 for their three-and-a-half-month contracts.
The BBC faces a difficult decision regarding whether to meet the demands of judges like Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke. In 2023, the corporation famously refused an 11 per cent pay rise demand, granting only a 3 to 5 per cent increase instead. With viewership numbers currently trending downward, it remains to be seen if the BBC will have the leverage to resist further salary escalations from the judging panel.
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