A couple of decades ago, I walked into a room full of senior newspaper execs and boldly proclaimed that I had just seen a show that would revolutionize Saturday night television.

The show I was raving about was a ballroom dancing competition where amateur dancers teamed up with pros to vie for a glitterball trophy.

As I enthusiastically described the show’s charm—sequins, makeup, live music, and stunning gowns—I was met with puzzled stares. Even mentioning that the legendary Bruce Forsyth would host with his new catchphrase ‘Keeeep dancing!’ didn’t seem to make a dent in their indifference.

I had just watched the debut episode of *Strictly Come Dancing* and was so captivated that I predicted it would overshadow Simon Cowell’s dominance of Saturday nights.

I sang its praises in the Mail, declaring it to be reality TV that wasn’t awful, and I took a stand against the harshness of Cowell’s *The X Factor*, favoring the gentle world of ballroom dancing instead.

I even took a bit of a risk with the sisterhood, noting how refreshing it was to see clear gender roles in a world where things felt more defined: boy meets girl, and they dance their hearts out.

I appreciated how *Strictly* seemed to transport us back to a simpler time when women enjoyed the comfort of a strong partner’s embrace. The show’s absence of malice was like a breath of fresh air compared to the cutthroat nature of *The X Factor*.

However, the show’s evolution has been anything but graceful. As it approaches its 20th anniversary, it’s facing serious issues, including allegations of bullying.

The drama began in January when Amanda Abbington, after asking to review footage of her rehearsals with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, accused him of being ‘unnecessarily cruel, abusive, and mean.’

She claimed this led to PTSD and a minor injury.

Amanda’s public battle has been high-profile, including tearful interviews and legal actions. She’s even engaged top law firm Carter-Ruck, seeking damages for lost earnings and the trauma she alleges.

Giovanni denies all accusations and has his own legal representation, arguing that the BBC failed in its duty of care by pairing him with someone who was already vulnerable.

The show’s judges, too, have changed over time.

The original panel of Len Goodman, Arlene Phillips, Craig Revel Horwood, and Bruno Tonioli were known for their good-natured humor and praise, even for the less skilled contestants.

Over the years, the judging has become more critical and less about celebration, with a focus on technical precision that sometimes feels like a grueling ordeal.

The professional dancers have also gained more fame and, perhaps, egos. The demanding nature of their training sessions often resembles a bootcamp rather than a fun dance class.

Scores from the judges, once rare and hard-earned, are now more frequently awarded, which some argue has diluted the show’s original charm.

A Shift in Focus

The show’s evolution has also meant a shift in its participants.

There was a time when novice dancers like Natasha Kaplinsky, who won the first series, were the norm. Now, it’s not uncommon for celebrities with previous dance experience to compete, which skews the level of competition.

Last year’s inclusion of Layton Williams, a seasoned professional dancer, highlighted this shift.

While his diverse background and partnership with Nikita Kuzmin were hailed as steps toward inclusivity, it also created an uneven playing field against amateurs who lack his extensive experience.

The Road Ahead

Regardless of the outcome of the BBC’s internal inquiry into the bullying claims, the show’s reputation has undoubtedly been affected. The BBC, and its director general Tim Davie, faces serious scrutiny over how it manages its talent.

Their responses to these issues have often felt like corporate speak rather than genuine solutions.

Amanda’s legal struggle might drag on, bringing more negative headlines and further tarnishing what was once a beloved show.

It feels like a far cry from the early days when Bruce Forsyth’s cheerful ‘Nice to see you, to see you… Nice!’ was met with enthusiastic applause and joy.

TDPel Media

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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