With Tess and Claudia Gone, 8 Other Things Strictly Come Dancing Must Change for Success Next Series

Why Strictly Come Dancing Needs More Than Just New Presenters

The departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman marks the end of an era for Strictly Come Dancing. Having been the faces of the show for years, their exit leaves a significant void. While the introduction of new presenters will certainly bring fresh energy, it’s clear that the show needs to evolve beyond just a change in hosting to maintain its popularity and relevance.

Strictly Come Dancing has been a beloved staple of British television for over two decades. However, recent seasons have shown signs of fatigue, with some viewers expressing frustration over the show’s length, format, and certain recurring elements. To keep the magic alive and ensure the show’s success in the next series, here are eight key changes Strictly Come Dancing must consider.

1. Introduce More Dance Challenges to Boost Excitement

One of the highlights of the recent series was the Instant Dance Challenge, which injected spontaneity and fun into the competition. This challenge not only tested the dancers’ adaptability but also entertained viewers with its unpredictable nature. Expanding this concept by adding more varied dance challenges throughout the season could keep the energy high and prevent the show from becoming monotonous.

These challenges could range from surprise dance styles to team-based performances, encouraging creativity and pushing contestants out of their comfort zones. By doing so, Strictly can maintain viewer interest and showcase the versatility of its dancers.

2. End the Sunday Results Show Pretence

A long-standing criticism of Strictly Come Dancing is the Sunday results show, which is filmed immediately after the Saturday live performances. This practice often leads to spoilers leaking online, diminishing the suspense for viewers. It’s time for the show to be transparent and streamline its schedule.

Moving the results announcement to Saturday night, immediately following the live dances, would create a more cohesive viewing experience. This change would also allow the show to shorten its runtime, making it more accessible for audiences who find the current length overwhelming.

3. Cut the Cringe-Worthy Video Packages

The pre-dance video packages, intended to provide background on the contestants and their training, have increasingly become a source of discomfort for viewers. Scenes featuring forced family visits, awkward skits, or overly sentimental moments often feel out of place and detract from the dancing itself.

By trimming these segments and focusing more on the preparation and rehearsal process, Strictly can save valuable airtime and keep the spotlight on the performances. This adjustment would also help maintain the show’s pace and reduce viewer fatigue.

4. Reconsider or Remove the Couple’s Choice Segment

The Couple’s Choice dance has become a confusing element of the show. Originally designed to allow couples to showcase a dance style they excelled in or felt passionate about, it has evolved into a segment that often features bare feet, emotional backstories, or unconventional themes that don’t resonate with all viewers.

To restore clarity and fairness, Strictly should either redefine this segment with clear guidelines—such as selecting a specific dance style—or eliminate it altogether. This would help judges and audiences better understand and appreciate the performances.

5. Refresh Theme Weeks for Greater Variety

Theme weeks like Movie Week and Musicals Week have become predictable staples of the show. While these themes are enjoyable, they sometimes blur together and fail to inspire truly unique performances.

Looking to international versions of dance competitions, Strictly could introduce more innovative themes such as One-Hit Wonders Week, Viral Hits Week, or Disney Week. These fresh concepts would challenge contestants creatively and offer viewers a more diverse and engaging experience.

6. Return to Two Dances Per Week Format

In earlier seasons, contestants performed two dances per week, often choosing between two styles. This format allowed for direct comparisons and clearer judging criteria. Recently, the show has shifted to one dance per week, which can make it difficult to assess progress or compare performances fairly.

Reinstating the two-dance format would provide a richer viewing experience and enable judges to offer more detailed feedback. It would also give contestants a chance to demonstrate their growth and versatility more effectively.

7. Broaden the Talent Pool for Greater Diversity

Casting plays a crucial role in the show’s appeal. While Strictly has featured a range of celebrities, recent seasons have seen a concentration of similar skill levels and backgrounds. To keep the audience invested, the show should aim for a more diverse cast in terms of talent, professions, and personalities.

Including unexpected contestants who bring unique stories and skills can create compelling narratives and surprise viewers, much like past winners who defied expectations.

8. Introduce New Professional Dancers and Judges

The professional dancers and judges are integral to Strictly’s identity. However, after many years, some fresh faces could invigorate the show. Bringing in new professionals with different dance styles or backgrounds can introduce fresh choreography and dynamics.

Similarly, rotating guest judges or adding new permanent judges could provide varied perspectives and keep the judging panel lively and unpredictable. This change could also address concerns about inconsistent scoring and judging decisions.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Strictly Come Dancing

With Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepping down, Strictly Come Dancing stands at a crossroads. To ensure the show’s continued success, it must embrace meaningful changes that go beyond new presenters. By incorporating more dynamic challenges, streamlining the schedule, refreshing themes, and diversifying talent and judges, Strictly can revitalize its format and recapture the hearts of viewers.

Are you excited to see these changes come to life? Stay tuned for the next series and join the conversation about how Strictly Come Dancing can keep dazzling audiences for years to come!