Few television programs have navigated through controversies and remained popular like Strictly Come Dancing. The long-running BBC dance competition has entertained audiences for over two decades, despite facing various scandals, including allegations against professionals Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, who have denied any wrongdoing.
As viewer ratings gradually decline each season and with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announcing their departure after the current series, it is evident that the show will require a refresh to compete with other popular programs like Celebrity Traitors.
Strictly Come Dancing is not solely attributing its reduced viewership to the overall decline in traditional TV viewership, as evidenced by the significant viewership numbers when Alan Carr participated in the competition.
Although the new era of Strictly Come Dancing is on the horizon, with Tess and Claudia still steering the ship for a few more weeks, the show is already undergoing significant changes to attract a younger audience. By featuring social media stars like George Clarke, who is the show’s first TikTok personality, Strictly has successfully engaged a new demographic and gained millions of views on its TikTok page.
In an upcoming episode, Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity will collaborate with Strictly’s professional dancers for a unique performance, followed by a special appearance from former contestants during Blackpool week.
While Strictly is open to experimenting with its format, there is potential to draw inspiration from the success of its American counterpart, Dancing with the Stars, which has maintained popularity, especially among younger viewers.
Considering the diverse cast and themed episodes of Dancing with the Stars, Strictly’s producers could learn valuable lessons on engaging audiences, particularly the younger demographic. Choosing a co-host replacement for Tess and Claudia, such as a social media influencer like George Clarke, could be a strategic move to appeal to a wider audience.
By observing the trends and strategies that have contributed to Dancing with the Stars’ enduring popularity, Strictly Come Dancing can continue to evolve and captivate viewers of all ages.