BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans livid as spin-off cancelled

Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left furious at a recent BBC change, as an iconic star has been left 'missing' from the show following the shake-up

Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts are left fuming after a major shake-up to the BBC show has seemingly led to the quiet exit of a beloved star. The BBC has confirmed to OK! that there will be no return for the much-loved Strictly Come Dancing : The Official Podcast for the 2024 series.

Since its inception in 2018, the podcast, hosted by Joe Sugg alongside producer Kim Winston, has been a hit with fans, offering an insider's view of the dance competition with exclusive interviews and all the backstage gossip. Yet, its absence from BBC Sounds this year has caused confusion and disappointment among the show's followers.

A puzzled 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, with some pointing towards an alternative, the unofficial Strictly Speaking podcast, as a potential substitute, reports the Mirror.

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The disappearance of the official podcast has also sparked speculation about the future of its host, Joe Sugg. Fans have taken to social media to express their dismay, with one lamenting: "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 spokesperson for the BBC has addressed the situation, confirming the end of the podcast: "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."

They launched a new offering for followers: "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 whispers haven't died down despite the wrap-up of the podcast, especially when it comes to Pete Wicks and his dance partner Jowita Przystal. Rumoured to have shared a close moment at a backstage drinks do, the pair certainly turned heads during their American Smooth, coming inches away from a kiss as the performance ended.

Social media went into overdrive post-dance, with fans theorising whether Pete and Jowita's near-kiss was more than just part of the routine. One eager fan expressed their hopes for a real-life romance: "Pete Wicks and Jowita would be the FITTEST couple ever, just saying #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly," quoting X.

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

Even judge Motsi Mabuse couldn't ignore the "romantic atmosphere" that enveloped the stage during Pete and Jowita's dance. She shared after the performance, "I think both of you, you had such a beautiful, flirty, romantic atmosphere, and I believed it was authentic."