Strictly viewers furious after BBC 'axe' much loved feature

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left furious after the BBC announced a feature in line with the show is getting the 'axe'. 

BBC bosses announced on Tuesday that they will be discontinuing the show's official blog to concentrate on their other social media sites.

The blog previously contained updates from the Strictly team, including each week's song reveals, announcements and statements, and updates following each elimination. 

Writing on their official site, the team explained their decision by saying: 'We understand that a community has built up over the years and some of you will find this disappointing.' 

'However, in line with changing audience behaviours, a decision has been made to direct users to our social channels where there are active communities discussing the show on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.' 

'The Strictly blog and its comment section will soon be closing in line with other blogs across the BBC, with content no longer being published or updated.' 

'This blog will remain open for 24 hours before closing to comments permanently.' 

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Former Strictly pro Ian Waite controversially urges BBC bosses 'don't hire Italians' for the show after Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice bullying scandal

They concluded: 'Thank you for your contributions over the years, and we hope that you join us on our social channels.'  

Angry fans then took to the comment section to express their disappointment with the decision.

One fan raged: 'Shame on you, BBC. We don’t all use social media and even if we did I don’t think it would replace our blog family.'; 'I don’t know whether I’m more upset or angry that the BBC has decided to close this blog,' 

'I really don’t think that I will be as invested in the show, although I will still watch it. Noting they 'loved the banter and online parties' the commenter added: 'It was particularly good for those who had no-one else to discuss it with.' 

'I remain baffled by this decision and in particular the comment 'the changing audience behaviour'; 'This suggests a lack of numbers contributing to the blog. Yet on 30/09/23 there were 1644 comments, on 28/10/23 there were 2175 comments and on 25/11/23 , 2496 comments this hardly suggests a lack of traffic through the blog.' 

'There is much more to this than the beeb is prepared to say....or admit to.'; 'I am full of questions about this and the timing. It feels like 'death by a thousand cuts' and smacks of a disregard for those who have chosen for years to use the blog.' 

The news comes as former Strictly pro Ian Waite controversially urged bosses 'don't hire Italians' for the show after the Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice bullying scandal. 

Giovanni, 34, exited the show in April following bullying allegations from his dance partner, Amanda Abbington and has denied all accusations. 

Meanwhile, fellow Italian Graziano, 30, was sacked after he admitted to kicking his partner, Zara McDermott.

'Well, there's a link. They're both Italian. And, a little bit of advice - don't book Italians anymore,' said Ian on the Stripping Off With Matt Haycox podcast. 

He said: 'One of the problems is that, as pro dancers, we weren't given any safeguarding rules or guidance on how we should behave with our celebrity partners.'

'What's offensive or abusive if there are no clear guidelines?'

'We had to figure it out ourselves.'

Amid the ongoing bullying accusations, the 53-year-old dancer, who recently won Dancing with the Stars Australia, spoke out.

He said: 'There were times when I fell out with my partner, yes. And there were even times when there were a lot of shouting matches going on, but it was for a good reason.'

'Unless it's all filmed, it's your word against theirs.'

As Strictly's 20th-anniversary series grapples with controversy, the BBC carefully sidestepped the issue during Saturday's launch show.

Professional dancer Amy Dowden - who is now cancer-free - was a vision in a dazzling fuchsia ballroom gown twirling around as she displayed her incredible moves with her fellow dancers as part of her triumphant comeback. 

Strictly's Class of 2024 is made up of stars like EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri and JLS singer JB Gill.

Other contestants include X Factor winner Shayne Ward, Miranda star Sarah Hadland and DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles.

Comedian Chris McCausland - who has made history as the show's first blind participant - has already become a firm favourite  amongst fans thanks to his wicked sense of humour. 

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday, September 21 on BBC1. 

Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Who are the couples?

Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell 

JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE 

Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk 

Paul Merson and Karen Hauer 

Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał

Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin 

Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola 

Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones 

Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez 

Wynne Evans and Katya Jones 

Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec 

Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas 

Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe 

Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova 

 Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu