BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans 'livid' as spin-off show is ditched

The BBC has confirmed to OK! that the podcast, hosted by Joe Sugg and producer Kim Winston, will not be making a return for the 2024 series of the hit dance show

Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts are in turmoil following a major alteration to the BBC show, which has even resulted in the discreet exit of a beloved figure. The BBC has informed OK! that the Strictly Come Dancing: The Official Podcast, cherished by fans since 2018, will not be making a comeback for the 2024 series.

Hosted by Joe Sugg alongside producer Kim Winston, the podcast provided an insider's perspective of the dance competition, complete with exclusive interviews and juicy tidbits. Yet, its omission from BBC Sounds this year has led to widespread bewilderment and letdown among the audience.

A perplexed fan posted on social media, "Has anyone found the Strictly podcast this year? Can't find it on Sounds."

This prompted others to join the conversation, some pointing towards an alternative, the unofficial Strictly Speaking podcast, as a potential substitute. The absence of the official podcast has also sparked speculation about the future of its presenter, Joe Sugg, reports the Mirror.

Disheartened fans have voiced their concerns, with one saying: "Not a patch on Joe Sugg." Another added: "The podcast isn't a patch on the BBC one Joe Sugg and Kim did. There were lots of behind the scenes interviews."

A representative from the BBC has confirmed the podcast's discontinuation, explaining, "In early 2024, we made the decision to end Strictly Come Dancing: The Official Podcast. We're very proud of the last six series and grateful to Joe Sugg, Kim Winston and all the team involved who made it a success. Fans of Strictly can still tune in to Off the Telly, our weekly TV podcast."

An alternative for fans was recently presented: "Hosted by superfan Joanna Page and former contestant Natalie Cassidy, they'll share their hot takes on the action from the dancefloor, along with the usual blend of telly recommendations and weekly observations from their households and Off The Telly listeners" Excitement remains palpable despite the podcast's end, especially surrounding Pete Wicks and his dance partner Jowita Przystal.

The two sparked rumours after being seen in what appeared to be an intimate moment during a backstage drinks party, fuelling further speculation during their American Smooth routine where they came tantalizingly close to a kiss as the performance ended.

Social media subsequently lit up with post-performance chatter, with viewers speculating about whether the pair shared a kiss. One viewer expressed their desire for a romantic pairing: "Pete Wicks and Jowita would be the FITTEST couple ever, just saying #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly," according to one comment.

"Jowita and pete make me feral i need them to get to the final so i can keep watching them almost kiss #strictly," another fan added. A third remarked: "Obsessed with pete just walking around for two minutes and kissing jowita a few times #Strictly."

Even Judge Motsi Mabuse noticed the chemistry between Wicks and Przystal, commenting on the "romantic atmosphere" they created with their dance. "I think both of you, you had such a beautiful, flirty, romantic atmosphere, and I believed it was authentic," she said after their performance.