The BBC is facing criticism for what a showbiz reporter describes as "embarrassing" attempts to keep Strictly Come Dancing in the public eye, with the new sitcom Ann Droid repeatedly referencing the dance show.
With Strictly set to return later this year with three new hosts — Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe — following the departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, the broadcaster appears concerned about the show's future. Changes also include new hosts for spin-off It Takes Two and a roster of new dancers, leading some to wonder if it will feel like a completely new show.
Strictly References in Ann Droid
In a column for the BBC, Gemma Jones notes that Ann Droid, a sitcom about a widow and her android assistant, mentions Strictly in most episodes. Characters talk about judges Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood, and take part in a salsa dance referencing the BBC dancefloor.
Even during promotional interviews, star Diane Morgan linked a real-life anecdote back to Strictly. On This Morning, she recounted how learning the Heimlich manoeuvre for a scene in Ann Droid led to a crew member saving a friend's life, and then "Shirley Ballas' life" — a reference to Shirley choking back in November.
Will Ann Droid Save Strictly?
Jones writes that while Ann Droid might be saving lives, it is unlikely to save Strictly, calling the BBC's efforts to shoehorn the dance competition into any conversation "frankly quite embarrassing."
