The first live show of Strictly Come Dancing 2026 aired on September 26, bringing an evening of glitz, glamour and favourite hits. However, minutes into the broadcast, fans admitted they were not pleased with one change, with some saying they "hate" it.
Fans criticise new opening titles
Many avid viewers had been curious about the new series after the BBC announced several big changes this year, including five new professional dancers and three presenters. Yet rather than these larger changes causing issues, fans became more disgruntled about smaller factors. One recent switch-up that left viewers annoyed was the sparkly new opening titles.
Still featuring each of the celebrities and their professional dancers with the iconic Strictly theme tune, viewers were confused to see full body shots of the partners as they danced on screen. This is a noticeable change from previous years, where the pairs were placed closer to the camera with upper body angles.
Social media reaction
Taking to X, one social media user shared a clip of the opening titles with the caption: "Why are they so far away?" Many viewers went on to share their opinions in the comments. One person wrote: "I thought this was just me." Another added: "This was my thought. The titles feel so empty this year."
Sharing their disappointment, a third person commented: "I spotted that. I'm not a fan of the new titles at all." Another viewer stated: "Absolutely hate the new titles. Abysmal." A fifth viewer said: "I don't like it! They need to change it back!" Others were not impressed with the longer theme tune, as one person noted: "Well that was ... weird. They just stuck an extra bar's drum-break in. No idea why!"
An avid fan added: "Second per couple? Blink and you miss it. BBC have really tried to freshen something up that was perfectly fine to begin with!"
Other format changes draw criticism
This is not the only recent change fans have been disgruntled with, and they are calling for the BBC to revert to normal. On September 24, Strictly announced this week's dances and songs in the form of the couples writing their names on a sign-up sheet. However, over the years the dances were traditionally announced on the Tuesday ahead of the live shows, through a clip showcasing a small snippet of each pairing dancing to their chosen style with their music in the background.
Building up excitement for fans during the week, many were upset to see it swapped out for a different format. Under the dance announcement clip, one Instagram user wrote: "From next week could we please go back to the normal way." Another viewer added: "I hope next week it is back to the nice little video with what dance and song on a Tuesday!! Please!!!" A third person grumbled: "Can we at least keep the normal song reveal format. We have enough change already."
