Strictly Come Dancing has recorded its lowest ever audience for a results show since the programme began in 2004. The first results show of the 2026 series, aired on October 4, was watched by 4.5million people, down from around 6.5million last year.
The episode saw Amy Dowden and Chris Appleton voted off after a tense dance-off with Carlos Gu and Jaime Winstone. The show, which featured the usual musical week performances, was hosted by the new presenting trio of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.
Declining viewing figures
Official ratings show the results show audience has fallen from around 6.5million in 2025. In 2024, the first live show was watched by around 6.6million people, and in 2023 that number was 7.3million. In 2020, a total of 13.2million people watched the Strictly final.
Viewers offered their own theories for the falling figures, with some suggesting that results leaking could lead to fewer people tuning in.
Viewer theories
One viewer said: “The result had leaked out on Saturday night so I’m sure a lot of people didn’t watch because they knew Chris was voted out.” Another added: “Having a results show is really outdated, there’s no point anymore. Just have it in one night.”
A third echoed: “I think they should have rested it for a year or done a shorter all-star series.” Somebody else suggested: “Love how they changed it and gave it a well overdue fresh look, but in my view we do not need 3 presenters, and this week I would have put Josh on his own upstairs and Emma and JoJo on the floor, they work better together.”
A fifth fan penned: “I just wish they would stop showing it on a Sunday!! I’d prefer to see it live on Saturday.”
