The BBC has moved swiftly to shut down speculation that it plans to axe the Sunday night results show for its flagship programme, Strictly Come Dancing. This follows recent reports suggesting the format was under review after the outcome of the dance competition was repeatedly leaked online ahead of the broadcast.
Leaks Prompt Format Speculation
According to the rumours, which originated in a report from the Mail on Sunday, some BBC executives were pushing for a return to the show's original format. This would involve airing the results live on Saturday night, immediately after the main performance show.
The current production sees the glitterball extravaganza filmed live on Saturday evenings. The results show, however, is recorded immediately afterwards but held for broadcast the following Sunday. This gap has led to the identity of the eliminated couple frequently being revealed on the internet before the Sunday programme airs, a situation described by one unnamed source as "a complete farce".
BBC Issues Firm Denial and Highlights Ratings Success
The broadcaster has robustly dismissed these claims. In an official statement provided to Wales Online, a BBC spokesperson labelled the story as "nonsense".
Emphasising the programme's continued popularity, the spokesperson highlighted that over seven million people watched the results show live on the previous Sunday. A source further elaborated on these impressive figures, noting that the show achieved an overnight audience of 7.1 million viewers.
This number was stated to be the BBC's highest overnight rating for that Sunday and was reportedly five million viewers more than the most-watched programme on other channels. The final audience is expected to grow even larger once catch-up and BBC iPlayer views are factored in.
No Changes to the Sunday Night Ritual
Echoing the corporation's official line, a Strictly insider told Digital Spy that "there's absolutely no truth" to the suggestion of the show being axed. This confirms that the beloved Sunday night routine for millions of fans will continue.
The Sunday results show is a staple of the Strictly format, typically featuring spectacular group dances from the professional troupe and special musical performances. The climax of the show sees the two couples with the lowest combined scores from the judges and public vote face off in a dance-off, with the judges then deciding which pair will leave the competition.
This news comes in the same year that the show's long-standing presenters, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, announced they would be leaving Strictly at the end of 2025.
