Strictly Come Dancing fans are voicing their frustration after the BBC changed the way dance and song announcements are made. The show, which has already seen several major changes in the past year, has now altered the format for revealing what each couple will perform.
The BBC released a video showing the cast writing their names and dances on a sign-up sheet one after another, covering all the routines for the first live show. Previously, each dancer had their own individual video announcing their performance, and the switch has disappointed some viewers who prefer the old, more ceremonial approach.
Fans call for old format
On Instagram, Emma Corbett wrote: 'I hope next week it is back to the nice little video with what dance and song on a Tuesday!! Please.' Emily Godden added: 'Can we at least keep the normal song reveal format? We have enough change already.' Elliebecsf also commented: 'I miss the old way of announcing the dances.'
The complaints were not limited to Instagram. On Reddit, fansvfavourites wrote: 'Oh, I hate this change to the reveal.' Another user, madeleineruth19, said: 'Strictly producer/social media manager: please never announce songs and dances like this ever again. Completely unreadable. I also thought it was another random promo and scrolled? If it ain't broke, don't fix it!'
Excitement remains for live show
Despite the grumbles, most fans said they were excited for the live show and looking forward to seeing the couples perform. The change comes amid a period of upheaval for the series, which has lost hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, seen several fan-favourite dancers leave, and introduced a new spin-off, reportedly as part of the BBC's plan to attract a younger audience.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 continues Saturday, September 26 at 6:15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
