By Basant El-Faramawy
BBC's flagship entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing is facing its most challenging series in years, with declining viewership, criticism of its new hosting trio, and increased competition from rival format Celebrity Traitors. Eight weeks into the 2026 season, the programme has failed to recapture the audiences that once made it an autumn television staple.
New Hosts Face Teething Problems
Longtime presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down before this series, leading the BBC to appoint three replacements: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe. Early episodes showed Widdicombe mouthing co-hosts' lines from the autocue, while Radebe appeared uncomfortable transitioning from dancer to presenter. Though the trio has improved, reports suggest BBC executives are considering another overhaul for next year, with one source telling the Daily Mail the show "should be slicker."
Viewership Falls Sharply
Ratings have dropped significantly compared to 2025. The launch show attracted 4.8 million viewers, down from 6.2 million a year earlier. Weekly averages have ranged between 5 and 6 million, well below the 7 million average recorded in the previous season.
Celebrity Lineup Lacks Star Power
Critics argue the 2026 cast lacks household names. EastEnders actor Lacey Turner is the closest to a major star, while former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips exited early. The show's attempt to attract younger viewers brought in social media personalities Cach Mercer, a former Love Island contestant, and football YouTuber John Nellis. Observers note an absence of the "Strictly curse" gossip and watercooler moments that previously fueled public conversation.
Controversial Vote-to-Leave Twist
Halloween Week introduced a one-off format change: three couples faced the dance-off instead of two, and judges were asked to vote for who should leave rather than who to save. The result saw Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb eliminated after judges highlighted his mistakes, a departure described as "mean and decidedly un-Strictly."
Celebrity Traitors Draws Big Names Away
Rival BBC show Celebrity Traitors has lured high-profile participants such as Michael Sheen, Julie Hesmondhalgh, and Joe Lycett for its second series. The success of Traitors has shifted the landscape of celebrity competition shows, leaving Strictly with a less talked-about lineup and diminished status as must-watch appointment viewing.
