Strictly Come Dancing has misplaced practically one million viewers.
The BBC Latin and ballroom present was again on screens this weekend amid a major scandal and a shock NTA win upon its 20th anniversary.
Actress Amanda Abbington unexpectedly give up the present final October earlier than claiming her accomplice Giovanni Pernice was abusive in direction of her.
The competitors was then hit with a recent wave of scandal when Graziano Di Prima was sacked in July for ‘kicking’ his accomplice, Love Island star Zara McDermott.
Nevertheless it has now been revealed that the present has misplaced an enormous chunk of viewers since final yr.
Strictly Come Dancing viewing figures have dropped amid the main scandals which have hit the present upon its twentieth anniversary
Hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly excitedly launched this yr’s celebrities and introduced which dancers they’d be paired with – however the controversies of the final yr went unmentioned
In a single day rankings for Saturday’s launch present revealed that 5.5 million viewers tuned in to see a string of celebrities paired up with skilled dancers in comparison with 6.2 million in 2023.
The BBC dodged any point out of the present’s string of scandals throughout its launch episode.
Hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly excitedly launched this yr’s celebrities and introduced which dancers they’d be paired with – however the controversies of the final yr went unmentioned.
Giovanni, 33, was suspended whereas a BBC probe is underway over allegations made by Amanda and two different former celeb companions.
He has vehemently denied the claims.
With the report into his misconduct due any day now, Amanda has reportedly been left deeply disillusioned with the BBC bosses over fears they’re ‘defending’ the dancer amid the bullying probe.
There have been high-level conferences amongst BBC bosses as they navigate find out how to ship their findings as they worry the looming risk of authorized motion from both Amanda or Giovanni if both is disillusioned by the end result.
Regardless of the disappointing figures, Saturday’s launch present got here went off with the same old bells and whistles.
Actress Amanda Abbington unexpectedly give up the present final October earlier than claiming her accomplice Giovanni Pernice was abusive in direction of her
The present was hit with a recent wave of scandal when Graziano Di Prima was sacked in July for ‘kicking’ his accomplice, Love Island star Zara McDermott
The present returned on Saturday amid a lot fanfare however viewing figures have didn’t stay as much as the earlier collection
Skilled dancer Amy Dowden – who’s now most cancers free – was a imaginative and prescient in a stunning fuchsia ballroom gown twirling around as she displayed her incredible moves with her fellow dancers as a part of her triumphant comeback.
Strictly’s Class of 2024 is made up of stars like EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri and JLS singer JB Gill.
Different contestants embody X Issue winner Shayne Ward, Miranda star Sarah Hadland and DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles.
Comic Chris McCausland – who has made historical past because the present’s first blind participant – has already become a firm favourite amongst fans thanks to his wicked sense of humour.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday September 21 on BBC1.