The creator behind this year’s Strictly Come Dancing has given her thoughts on the recent controversies surrounding the show as it returns to our screens. Karen Smith, the co-creator and first executive producer, told BBC News that while she hopes everyone can move forward and learn from the recent issues, it is unlikely that people will simply forget about them. Nevertheless, Smith believes that Strictly is still “fabulous” and that people still love watching it. The show’s latest season is set to feature a brand new set of celebrities and will be its 20th year on TV.
Although Strictly is a Saturday night TV favourite, the show has experienced a few hiccups recently, with former contestants making allegations about how they were treated on the show. The BBC has responded to these allegations, having made changes behind the scenes by adding chaperones to all rehearsal rooms and hiring two new dedicated welfare producers. The show’s executives have always stated that they would take these issues seriously and act towards inappropriate behaviour. Despite the controversies, though, Smith says that the show’s popularity remains the same.
This year’s series of Strictly will follow the same format as in previous years, with much of its success relying on the autumn slot and special theme nights, such as Halloween and Musicals. Although the hosts and judges might change, the show itself remains the same, Smith said. However, this year’s show will see some new faces among the professional dancers as the show has let go of two dancers due to complaints about their behaviour and teaching methods in rehearsals.
Smith acknowledged that the recent scandals would remain a part of the show’s history but added that it was up to Strictly and the BBC to learn from the issues, ensure they don’t happen again, and move forward. She stressed that it would be a “shame” if the show was criticised to the extent of being allowed to die. The Strictly Come Dancing 2024 launch show is set to be aired on Saturday 14 September on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
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