Strictly Spoilers Strike Again: Sunday Show Ruined for Fans
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have been left disappointed and angry once again after the results of Saturday's show were leaked online, ruining the suspense for Sunday's broadcast. The pre-recorded results show, which airs every Sunday on the BBC, is filmed immediately after the live Saturday performance, creating a window for spoilers to emerge.
Audience Mole Causes Uproar
For several weeks, an audience member has been acting as a mole, revealing the identity of the eliminated celebrity in advance. This week, the results were already circulating on the social media platform X shortly after filming concluded, confirming the two couples in the bottom two and the star who has apparently left the competition. The revelation has sparked a mixed reaction from viewers.
Some fans expressed shock and confusion, with one writing on X: 'I swear [they] were higher on the leaderboard? Was there a mistake or something?' Others questioned if a mistake in the dance-off led to the elimination. However, not all reactions were negative, with some supporters stating it was 'the correct result' and 'absolutely the correct decision.' The Daily Mail has chosen not to name the celebrity who was reportedly eliminated with their professional dancer.
BBC Under Pressure to Axe Pre-Recorded Format
The repeated leaks have put significant pressure on Strictly bosses to reconsider the pre-recorded Sunday night results show. According to reports, some BBC chiefs believe the programme should revert to its original live format. Previously, viewers voted after the Saturday episode, and a live results show followed, with no dance-off element.
An insider revealed the frustration, stating: 'It’s become a complete farce... the result is out on the internet almost immediately. This mole is a thorn in the BBC’s side.' With hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman leaving at the end of this series, sources suggest it would be an ideal time to implement a format change. Currently, the results show pulls in over seven million viewers, but bosses acknowledge that Saturday night viewing figures would likely be boosted if the results were broadcast live.
Diversity Set for Spectacular Strictly Debut
Amid the spoiler controversy, a special performance has been confirmed for next week's results show. The acclaimed dance group Diversity, who found fame after winning Britain's Got Talent in 2009, will make their debut on the BBC ballroom show on November 16.
A Strictly insider told The Mirror: 'Fans can expect a spectacular group number choreographed by Jason Gilkinson and Ashley Banjo.' The performance, set in LA, will feature 14 members of Diversity, including Perri Kiely and brothers Ashley and Jordan Banjo. They will dance to Raye's 'Where Is My Husband?' alongside five of the show's female professional dancers: Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkis, Nancy Xu, and Jowita Przystał. The routine is described as a celebration of iconic screen sirens from Hollywood's Golden Age.
The results show featuring this mash-up will also include a separate performance from pop star Olly Murs. This will be the last show before Strictly's highly anticipated annual Blackpool Special, which airs on Saturday, November 22.
