Strictly Come Dancing axe confirmed as BBC 'made decision' on spin-off with Dianne Buswell link

Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed the axe of one of its spin-off after questions recently emerged about its disappearance. The hit dance show returned to screens last month and the competition is now very much underway with the couples already being whittled down.

But it appears fans are fuming about one huge change to the popular programme after it was quietly ditched. Strictly Come Dancing: The Official Podcast has been a staple for fans ever since it began in 2018, as it sees the likes of that year's finalist Joe Sugg team up with producer Kim Winston to bring an access all areas backstage pass to the show.

Bringing all the behind-the-scenes gossip and dancefloor glory, listeners have been hooked ever since. However, its absence from BBC Sounds during the 2024 series has left fans puzzled, OK! Magazine reports.

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One supporter asked on social media: "Has anyone found the Strictly podcast this year? Can't find it on Sounds." Many were then quick to pipe up and wonder the same, with one saying: "There isn't one this year," while another suggested: "Strictly Speaking is an unofficial podcast if you want to listen to that."

The lack of an official podcast also left fans questioning what that could mean for its iconic host, Joe. Referring to the unofficial podcast, one wrote: "Not a patch on Joe Sugg." Another said: "The podcast isn't a patch on the BBC one Joe Sugg and Kim did. There were lots of behind the scenes interviews."

A BBC spokesperson said of the podcast's axing to OK: "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.

"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".

The confirmation comes after Joe was spotted live in the ballroom as he supported his girlfriend Dianne Buswell. She is currently competing in Strictly's 20th-anniversary series alongside comedian Chris McCausland and over the weekend, the pair impressed with their Movie Week jive to the Wayne's World theme.

Following the show, former YouTuber Joe took to social media and shared a selfie he captured with Dianne, who he began dating after they made the final of Strictly's 2018 series, and Chris and said: "On Saturday I went to watch movie week on Strictly. What a show it was.

"Movie Week usually reminds me of High School Musical (still don’t think I’ve ever watched it) and Craig telling me my bottom was sticking out during the whole performance.. but I think from now on it will remind me of how proud and impressed I was to witness that performance. @diannebuswell @chrismccauslandcomedy, That was something special. Well done."

But it left Joe being quizzed by fans about the official Strictly podcast he previously fronted. @emloukelly said: "It was so good! Joe - where is the podcast?!!" @eddo_official commented: "Wish the podcast was here this year but it was SO lovely to see your face in the audience on my telly last night!"

@dheeley asked: "Do you not do the podcast now, Joe?!" @joannamargaretkay wrote: "Missing the podcast." @callydunne5 replied: "They were amazing. Really missing the Strictly Podcast this year." @wedydorithy added: "Miss your podcast on Sunday evening."