BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans left furious as show axes much-loved feature

Strictly Come Dancing bosses have announced a much-loved feature will be axed from the show and it has left fans of the BBC series fuming after the announcement.

Strictly Come Dancing fans faced a shock this week after bosses announced that a well-loved feature of the show has been cut.

As the beloved BBC dance competition kicked off a new season over the weekend with the launch show, viewers tuned in to witness a fresh group of stars hit the dance floor. However, with the live show right around the corner, fans have been hit with some unexpected news.

The show's much-followed official blog will no longer be operational, shifting emphasis instead to enhanced engagement through the programme's social media channels.

In previous seasons, devoted viewers had the luxury of perusing regular updates on the Strictly blog, where tidbits like weekly song choices were shared and post-elimination information was swiftly posted. Regrettably, these days are now behind us, according to a statement put out on Tuesday.

It read: "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."

The statement went on to express gratitude towards fans for their contributions over the years, and expressed hope that they would continue to engage with them on social media.

Despite this, the official Twitter/X has not been updated with any information about this year's show or contestants, leaving some fans heartbroken, reports the Mirror.

One user vented in the blog's comments section: "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."

Another fan expressed confusion at the decision, stating they couldn't understand the comment 'the changing audience behaviour'.

They argued: "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."

Other fans claimed the statement left them "full of questions," and felt like "death by a thousand cuts". They were angry that it "smacks of a disregard" to loyal blog users over the years.

This weekend will see the first live show where the celebrities get to show off their dance moves. However, Paul Merson has been dealt a crushing blow as Ladbrokes have pinned him as the first person to leave the competition.

Ladbrokes' Alex Apati commented: "Paul Merson will already be praying for extra-time if the latest odds are anything to go by."

Strictly Come Dancing's first live show will air on September 21 on BBC One from 7pm.