Strictly Come Dancing bosses to ‘hold crisis talks on how to revamp show’

Could Strictly Come Dancing undergo more changes next series? (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston/BBC Creative) We’re only halfway through the series, but this year’s Strictly Come Dancing has already created more scrutinous headlines than any other season. From new hosts to new pros and format changes, there’s been a lot for BBC viewers to adjust to in a short time, and it’s led to complaints and declining ratings. As Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe made their debut as a presenting trio, the launch show garnered an average of just 4.8 million viewers, down from last year’s 6.2 million. And as the weeks have progressed, the numbers have continued to slump, as the beloved institution that once pulled in 14 million from living rooms across the country has now dipped below ratings for The Great British Bake Off and ITV dramas. It’s reportedly left bosses questioning their next moves, with insiders claiming careful choreography will be needed not just from the dancers but also from producers next series. Get personalised updates on Strictly Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, one source said execs are ‘bereft’ over how the cherished ‘Premier League product’ is now operating at a ‘League One standard’. Fans just aren’t warming to the new presenting trio (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/Press Association) Still, there seems to be a glitter ball at the end of the tunnel. ‘Nobody wants to give up on Strictly. It’s a brilliant show, and everyone inside the BBC believes that,’ said the insider. ‘It needs the jazz and glamour put back into it, and they are determined to do that.’ ‘There have been conversations, but there is to be a proper meeting where ideas will be put forward on how to resurrect it for the viewers,’ they added. ‘Realistically, it’s too late for this series, but there is no way that it can’t be overhauled for next year.’ The rumours follow speculation of plans to switch the trio of hosts after just one series due to backlash. Sources claim ‘crisis talks’ are due (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy) While seasoned broadcaster Emma has been warmly received, the likes of comedian Josh and former pro Johannes have been cruelly trolled, with Josh in particular accused of being ‘out of his depth’. Consequently, insiders claimed something will ‘have to change’, as the newbies just aren’t being received as suitable successors to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. A source speculated to the Daily Mail last week: ‘When Emma, Josh and Johannes entered that room, they were seen to be the dream. Those at the BBC who didn’t see them were shocked and didn’t believe it could work. ‘That view stands; it doesn’t work. Not only have many of the traditional viewers stopped watching, the show has become the butt of jokes, a laughingstock. ‘It’s like those choosing were trying to be kooky and cool, and they saw something that might appeal to young people.’ Do you think Strictly needs another revamp? Yes, it's not workingCheck No, we still need to get used to thingsCheck Want to get bespoke updates on the TV shows you love? Sign up to Metro's TV newsletters and tell us which ones you can't get enough of They suggested that Strictly needs to be ‘slicker’ and casting decisions should’ve been made from other experienced auditionees, such as Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark. Others who confirmed they missed out on the coveted role were Radio 1’s Clara Amfo, DJ Sara Cox, former It Takes Two co-host Fleur East, and This Morning’s Sian Welby, with the latter admitting she ‘burst out crying’ after the gruelling two-and-a-half-hour process. However, despite many insisting it ‘just isn’t working’, Metro understands that Strictly staff aren’t aware of any imminent changes to the show’s line-up. A BBC spokesperson told us: ‘This is pure and utter speculation.’ Meanwhile, attention is also on the judging panel, with whispers circulating that they, too, could be eyeing up the door. Bosses are reportedly fearing that head judge Shirley Ballas won’t renew her contract (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston/BBC Creative) Whispers suggest Johannes Radebe could then join the panel (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy) Amid all the alterations – from a new-look It Takes Two fronted by Ellie Taylor to the axings of long-time pros and a new results show spin-off – Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke, and Motsi Mabuse have remained the constant. But now that their contracts are coming up for renewal, it’s sparking fears for the worst. One source claimed bosses felt assured that the judging line-up ‘would keep some continuity this year’, saying their contractual guarantees meant ‘one less headache’. Now, though, they are concerned ‘anything could happen’, with worries that head judge Shirley is the most likely to walk after a decade. ‘The terms of their contracts will have to be renegotiated, and if the judges don’t like what the BBC is offering, maybe they won’t return.’ Should one panel member decide to dip, it’s thought that Johannes could be an ideal replacement if he, too, steps away from his new duties. It sounds like serious talks must be had in December once this year’s winner is crowned – and perhaps we’ll be placing bets on the next Strictly hosts all over again next year… The BBC has been contacted for comment. Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. 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