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As Strictly Come Dancing’s 20th series nears the end, TV bosses are looking ahead and reportedly preparing to axe some faces – but is it vital to save the future of the BBC show?
After months of scandals and fall-outs, Strictly Come Dancing is set for a big shake-up – and it could be ‘pivotal’ for the show, a PR expert tells the Mirror.
The nation has enjoyed 20 years of the beloved dance competition, but now BBC bosses are said to be having a rethink, with a number of professional dancers allegedly set for the chop. It’s reported that five of the show’s main stars, including Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez, and Katya Jones, face being axed from the next series.
It comes after the programme was shrouded in controversy – from the investigation into Giovanni Pernice’s actions to Graziano Di Prima’s swift boot and Katya’s controversial moments with Wynne Evans. The latter is said to have angered bosses and potentially left her at risk of being eliminated from the 21st series in 2025.
A source told The Sun: “The review of the line-up has always been about making a fresh start, and that was always going to be affected by which dancers performed well this series.” They added there are a number of “fading” stars in the current line-up who can easily be replaced. The insider claimed it’s just part of the traditional turnover.
“Of the five names in the mix almost all of them went out in the first half of the series, which is very much seen as a landmark point for Strictly,” the source continued. “It couldn’t have come at a worse time for them, because Strictly bosses feel they need to make some major changes, even if that means big names leaving.”
Crisis management expert Mayah Riaz told the Mirror that the anticipated shake-up could be a ‘calculated move’ from bosses to turn over a new leaf after two decades. She said: “I think if Strictly bosses are considering a shake-up with some of the pro dancers, this could be a calculated move to keep the show feeling fresh and dynamic.
“Especially after recent controversies, they may deem this necessary – or less cynically, a shake-up could be needed after the show celebrated 20 years. Strictly has a strong following, but even a beloved show can become predictable if it largely stays the same season after season.”
Mayah said new faces could “capture the interest of both loyal viewers as well as their younger audiences who crave change and variety”. Sharing an insight into the behind-the-scenes, she added: “Producers would be wanting to strike a balance between maintaining familiar faces that viewers love and inviting fresh personalities to keep the show’s legacy evolving.”
Of the names tipped to leave the show, South African dance sensation Johannes Radebe is among them – although his exit is thought to be of his own accord. Johannes, who is currently paired with Gladiators star Montell Douglas, has been part of the Strictly cast since 2018 and is a favourite amongst fans. But now he reportedly wants to chase other dreams.
It has been suggested he has landed a leading role in a huge stage musical, which would keep him busy for seven months and unable to participate in the BBC show next year. A source told The Sun that Johannes has “too much to juggle” and Beeb bosses recognised he is “overwhelmed with work” but there “isn’t an atom of bad feeling about him leaving”.
Mayah, the PR to the stars, told the Mirror: “Johannes potentially leaving would be a big loss. He’s become a favourite for his charisma, talent and ability to connect deeply with his celebrity partners as well as the audience. However, these shake-ups also create opportunities to introduce diverse new talent who could bring unique perspectives and dance styles to the show.”
Could it be that a fresh line of talent saves the namesake of the show? Mayah said: “I believe for the future of Strictly, changes like these could be pivotal. Bringing in new dancers may inject fresh energy and prevent the show from becoming stale. But from a PR perspective, it’s also a reminder of how a big show can evolve and lose its core appeal. If done right, a potential shake-up could sustain Strictly’s place as a beloved staple of British TV for years to come.”
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