It was not long ago that the launch show of Come and dance in a pinch 2024 before co-host Tess Daly gestures enthusiastically toward “magic Strictly “glitter ball”.
As the series enters its 20th anniversary, has the disco ball been irreparably tarnished?
Contestant Amanda Abbington has accused her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice of “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean” behaviour during training last season – all of which Pernice has denied.
An internal BBC investigation, reportedly costing £250,000, is expected to deliver its findings before the series begins. Since filing the complaint, Abbington has been the target of death and rape threats against herself and her children.
Another dancer, Graziano di Prima, left the show after being subjected to “verbal” and “physical” abuse by celebrity partner Zara McDermott. A video shows Di Prima “kicking” McDermott. Di Prima has apologised but said it was an isolated incident. He is now reportedly suing the BBC for failing to “support and assist” him when the allegations broke.
The bad news kept coming. In August, former professional Artem Chigvintsev (who won Strictly in 2010 with Kara Tointon, and left the series in 2013), was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in California.
THE Observer In July, former production staff complained of a toxic work culture. A BBC News survey of 15 young production staff found a “toxic” atmosphere, with one reporting verbal abuse.
For the new series, the BBC has stepped up welfare and support, including bringing in production team “companions” in rehearsal rooms.
While Strictly has already been involved in a scandal, this all seems on another level. The exultation of the hosts, Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and the dancers, as well as Strictly The fact that it won the talent show category at the National Television Awards last week (voted for by viewers) could be interpreted as a relief.
Watching the launch show, I can’t be the only one wondering whether the show’s legendary reputation as a “wholesome family programme” is too damaged to salvage.
After a brightly colored and cheerful opening sequence featuring the Strictly gang in a bus that breaks down (a bit on the nose, perhaps?), it’s directly in the show.
The hosts: Daly in glittery silver; Winkleman in a white suit (the common sartorial effect is: “A couple of gangsters on a cruise ship heading to the casino”).
Judges: Chief Justice Shirley Ballas; Craig Revel Horwood; Motsi Mabuse; and Anton Du Beke.
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The contestants include: comedian Chris McCausland, who is blind; Olympic swimmer Tom Dean; singer Toyah Willcox (whose husband, King Crimson’s Robert Fripp, cheers her on from the audience); presenter Nick Knowles; former Arsenal and England footballer Paul Merson; The Island of Love contestant Tasha Ghouri (who is deaf with a cochlear implant), and many others. Returning dancers include fan favorite Amy Dowden (after completing her breast cancer treatment). Last year’s winners, former Coronation Street Actress Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola took to the stage and performed their Paso Doble with fierce brilliance.
This year, there are no same-sex couples. Or politicians (oh, for the sweet, innocent madness of Ed Balls’ Gangnam Style in 2016).
There is, however, a clear imbalance between male and female candidates: six women for nine men! Who knows if, after the controversies, women were not less inclined to register? Strictly class of 24, but as the contestants begin to sit down on the plush sofa to be introduced to their professional partners (McCausland with Dianne Buswell; singer JB Gill with Dowden; Willcox with Neil Jones, etc.), the disparity begins to seem jarring.
As it is Strictly Along the way, everyone declares themselves delighted (excited, honey!) with their partners. Then comes the time for the inaugural dance of the group of competitors/professionals (on Liquid Gold Dance until you get dizzy), which sometimes looks like a neon-colored, glittery highway pile-up. And that’s it.
That’s all Strictly The launch show is supposed to be. For the viewers, a bit of hooting and hooting over the duets. Maybe some speculation about who will be the first to get the glitter boot (no offense to Merson, but in the group dance, it sounded like he was chasing a chicken around the dance floor). So why do I find myself tense and clutching the arm of my couch?
Part of the appeal of this Saturday night juggernaut is that it is always a show that is both warm and confident: quietly sure of its place in the firmament of light entertainment. Is it just my imagination, or was the opening show more edgy than usual: more nerves than glitz? The judges’ bonhomie a little strained? Daly and Winkleman’s smiles a little too big and resolute?
The final effect is that of a show that tries to make all the problems disappear with a dazzling effect. At this point, it is not certain that this is possible and that all the problems will be successfully solved. Happy 20th anniversary, StrictlyFor now, the show goes on.
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