Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Anita Dobson has issued a stark warning, stating the BBC's flagship entertainment show must begin attracting 'bigger names' if it is to endure. Her comments come as the series seeks to move past a turbulent period marked by multiple off-floor controversies.
A Call for Star Power to Revive the Show
Anita Dobson, who competed for the Glitterball Trophy in 2011, reflected on the current state of the show as the latest series prepares for its final this Saturday. The 76-year-old actress suggested the calibre of celebrity contestants has changed. 'In the old days, you kind of knew everyone,' she told The Daily Mail. 'It will be good to get a couple of big shots in because that always makes people excited to see someone they know.'
Her remarks follow past criticism of the show for casting reality television personalities, such as Zara McDermott, Jamie Laing, and Tasha Ghouri. While the 2024 series has been relatively scandal-free, it has not been without debate, facing ongoing controversy over the extensive prior dance experience of contestants Lewis Cope and Amber Davies.
Radical Changes on the Horizon: A Move North and New Leadership
In a potential seismic shift for the programme, BBC executives are 'seriously' considering relocating Strictly Come Dancing from its long-time home at the Elstree studios in Hertfordshire to the Dock 10 studios in Salford, Manchester. This move is viewed as part of a bid for a 'total clean break' from recent scandals.
The proposed relocation would likely coincide with a significant change in leadership. It is believed that long-standing executive producer Sarah James is overseeing her final series. She remained in post to stabilise the show after the crises of 2024, which included the sacking of professional dancer Graziano Di Prima over alleged misconduct and the departure of actress Amanda Abbington, who later made bullying allegations against partner Giovanni Pernice.
Other serious incidents have marred the show's reputation, including the arrest of a Strictly star on suspicion of rape last month and a separate arrest in August over similar allegations. Earlier this year, opera singer Wynne Evans faced controversy after being filmed making an inappropriate sexual comment at a Strictly tour launch.
A New Era for the Nation's Favourite Dance Show
A move to Manchester's Media City UK would represent a major gesture towards the BBC's commitment to regionalising its output, a point with potential political appeal as the corporation prepares for licence fee negotiations in 2027. Production sources suggest a northern base would make it easier to attract stars from Coronation Street and Emmerdale, as well as footballers from the region.
The shift would also mean a fresh start behind the scenes, with a new production boss and many existing Elstree crew not making the move. 'This would be a win win all round,' a source claimed. 'Dock 10 would offer a much better deal for the studio and there would be a cull both front and back of house.'
This Saturday's final, featuring footballer Karen Carney, actress Amber Davies, and social media star George Clarke, will also be the last for iconic presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their departure in September. Front-runners to replace them are said to include Bradley Walsh and Alison Hammond.
While a BBC spokesman did not deny executives were considering a move to Salford, they stated there are 'no plans' currently in place. Any final decision would rest with BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips and potentially the next Director-General, following Tim Davie's resignation last month.
