EXCLUSIVE: Has Strictly FINALLY lost its sparkle? Bookies slash odds of show being cancelled as fans complain about 'boring' cast and fewer women than men sign up after abuse scandals liennhi
Strictly Come Dancing was once the jewel in the crown of Saturday night TV with millions of viewers tuning into see their favourite celebrities compete in glamorous costumes for the glitter ball trophy.
But now, ahead of the show's upcoming series, bookies are offering odds as low as 8-1 the programme with be the last ever following multiple controversies, a lacklustre line-up of Z-list stars and less women than men agreeing to take part and with good reason.
The long-running BBC series has truly lost its sparkle after former contestant Wynne Evans, 53, was accused of inappropriate behaviour and forced to apologise for making an unacceptable sexual remark on stage at a press event, which led to him resigning from the Strictly tour.
In 2023, actress Amanda Abbington, 51, complained about professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, 34, being 'unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean' during their rehearsals which she said caused her to quit midway through the season.
And in the same year, former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott, 28, was left 'incredibly distressed' following her experience in the training room with Graziano Di Prima, 31, who admitted to kicking the documentary maker, resulting in his axing.
Now, it appears that female celebrities are too terrified to sign up, with six women appearing on the cast this year compared to nine males, and bosses have certainly lowered the previously high bar with who they allow to take part.
Strictly Come Dancing was once the jewel in the crown of Saturday night TV with millions of viewers tuning into see their favourite celebrities compete in glamorous costumes for the glitter ball trophy (pictured Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis)
Ahead of the show's upcoming series, bookies are offering odds as low as 8-1 the programme will be the last ever following multiple controversies and a lacklustre line-up of Z-list stars (pictured Lorraine Showbiz correspondent Ross King)
It appears that female celebrities are too terrified to sign up, with six women appearing on the cast this year compared to nine males (pictured Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn)
The cast this year includes several former reality stars such as Love Island winner Dani Dyer, ex-Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison, Apprentice candidate Tom Skinner, RuPaul's Drag Race runner-up La Voix, and Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
Strictly bosses previously banned influencers and reality stars from taking part with now the likes of former Apprentice contestant Tom, who was fired by Lord Sugar in 2019, deemed famous enough to compete, with one Daily Mail reader saying: 'More than half are not celebrities.'
And the disappointing line-up hasn't gone unnoticed as thousands of Strictly fans took to platform X to voice their criticisms, with one writing: 'The bottom of the barrel has been well and truly scraped.'
Another said: 'The Strictly line-up is complete and it's truly abysmal' as another person wrote: 'This is without a doubt the worst starting line-up. Wondering if the past two years has caused so much damage to its reputation. Is this the beginning of the end?'
'Safe to say this is the worst Strictly line-up of all time,' another user posted.
John Hughes commented: 'One of the weakest, most uninspiring 'celebrity' line-ups in years. The show is still having difficulty signing up female contestants, it seems, following previous scandals with male pros.
'Time for Strictly to be rested as a result series and have three or four specials per year?'
Commenting on the mundaneness of the cast this year, another user on X said: 'They should do some kind of study to see if the Strictly line-up really does get less glamorous every time because like?'
The disappointing line-up hasn't gone unnoticed as thousands of Strictly fans took to X to voice their criticisms, with one writing: 'They should do some kind of study to see if the Strictly line-up really does get less glamorous'
The long-running BBC series has truly lost its sparkle after Wynne Evans was accused of inappropriate behaviour and forced to apologise for making an unacceptable sexual remark (pictured 2025)
In 2023, actress Amanda Abbington complained about professional dancer Giovanni Pernice being 'unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean' during their rehearsals
And in the same year, former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott was left 'incredibly distressed' following her experience in the training room with Graziano Di Prima
Speaking on Channel 4 News, Amanda described the aftermath of her time on Strictly as 'brutal' and 'unforgiving' after she and her family received death threats from fans of the show
A TV source added: 'Strictly isn't the show it used to be. It has been hit by scandal after scandal and now it's impossible for it to recover.
'Bosses used to be very particular about the lineup but now celebrities who have previously been on a host of shows, even winning I'm A Celeb in Vicky's case, have been recruited.
'The lack of women in the cast this year says it all, females are afraid to take part due to the controversies of recent years while few changes have been made to ensure safety in the training rooms.
'It's sad because the show was once so loved by viewers of all ages but there's an unavoidable darkness now and insiders even believe this could be the last ever series.'
It comes after Strictly was hit with drug allegations after two of the show's stars were allegedly caught taking cocaine and it was widely talked about among the cast.
The BBC has launched an investigation this month into the alleged drug taking while last week the Sun on Sunday reported that a 10-year show veteran was previously offered cocaine by one of its stars at a wild party.
It's the second successive year where less female contestants have signed up to Strictly after fewer women joined the line-up in 2024.
There were nine male celebrities and only six women after Amanda spoke on her experiences having competed on the show.
Former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison has signed up to the upcoming Strictly series after previously winning ITV's I'm A Celeb
Strictly previously banned reality stars from taking part with now ex-Apprentice contestant Tom Skinner, who was fired by Lord Sugar 2019, deemed famous enough to compete
Lorraine Showbiz correspondent Ross King announced himself as one of the Strictly signings today as the full line-up was confirmed
During an interview on Channel 4 News in July last year, Amanda described the aftermath of her time on Strictly as 'brutal' and 'unforgiving' after she and her family received death threats from Giovanni fans.
She said: 'There were five or six people previous to me that had the same experience.
'It was unnecessary and when it was getting thrown at me I would shut down. I have been in abusive situations before so I recognised the red flags so I would shut down and I wouldn't be able to do the job because I felt attacked... It was not conducive to a happy environment.'
TV presenter Laura Whitmore, who was partnered with Giovanni in 2016, said she felt 'broken' and 'cried everyday' during her time on the show as she supported Amanda with her claim against the Italian pro dancer last year.
Following a BBC investigation, six of Amanda's allegations towards Giovanni were upheld and he was cleared on 11 out of 17, and has since gone onto win the Italian version of the competition with his now girlfriend Bianca Guaccero.
This year's cast also includes EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn, Lioness Karen Carney, Lorraine Showbiz correspondent Ross King and influencer Ellie Goldstein, who made history when she became the first model with Down syndrome to cover British Vogue magazine.
Rugby player Chris Robshaw, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, YouTuber George Clarke, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, and sportsman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will also be taking to the Strictly ballroom next month.
BBC bosses will be praying for an unforgettable series to give the show its sparkle back.
‘Is Ellie ok?’ Strictly fans left heartbroken as show’s first ever Down syndrome contestant breaks down on live TV and has to be comforted by pros — after admitting doctors once told her parents she would “never walk or...- suong
Strictly fans have voiced their concerns for Ellie Goldstein as the 'upset' star appeared to be comforted by professional dancers on the first live show.
The model, 23, is paired in this year's competition with pro Vito Coppola and is already a favourite with fans.
She is the show's first ever contestant with Down syndrome and on Saturday night performed a cha-cha-cha to Yes, And? by Ariana Grande - earning 17 points.
But later on in the show as host Claudia Winkleman spoke to a La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec about their routine, Ellie appeared to get upset.
She was supported by professional dancers Dianne Buswell, Karen Hauer and contestant Harry Aikines-Aryeetey who put their arms around her and looked to be quietly speaking to her.
Those watching at home noticed the moment and penned on X: 'I've noticed Ellie looking uncomfortable. Also noticed her being supported by other dancers.',
Strictly fans have voiced their concerns for Ellie Goldstein as the 'upset' star appeared to be comforted by professional dancers on the first live show
She is the show's first ever contestant with Down syndrome and on Saturday night performed a cha-cha-cha to Yes, And? by Ariana Grande - earning 17 points
'Ellie looks a bit upset so it's lovely to see Harry and Karen comforting her #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.',
'Watching #Strictly last night, I noticed that Ellie appeared upset, and was being comforted/reassured by Karen and, I think, Harry?.',
'Is Ellie ok? #strictly.'
After the live show she took to Instagram however to share a positive message to say she'd had an 'amazing day'.
It comes after last week Ellie declared she wants to be an inspiration to other people with disabilities after becoming the show's first ever contestant with Down syndrome.
She said the competition would give her opportunity to show 'what she was capable of'.
When Ellie was born, doctors said that she would 'never walk or talk', and one nurse devastatingly suggested that her parents might want to 'leave her' at the hospital.
But she has defied all expectations going on to model for Vogue and star in CBBC's Malory Towers, before signing up for Strictly.
But later on in the show as host Claudia Winkleman spoke to a La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec about their routine, Ellie appeared to get upset
Those watching at home noticed the moment and penned on X: 'I've noticed Ellie looking uncomfortable. Also noticed her being supported by other dancers'
Ahead of Saturday's first live show Ellie said: 'Being the first contestant with Down syndrome in the main Strictly series gives me the chance to show everyone who I am, what I've achieved, and what I'm capable of'.
'I hope I can be an inspiration to others watching at home – and most of all, I hope I make people smile and feel happy when they see me dancing!'.
Gucci hired Ellie for its Unconventional Beauty adverts, landing her the cover of Italian Vogue in 2020.
She has graced the covers of numerous magazines, including Elle and Glamour, featured in promotions for Gucci Beauty, Adidas, TK Maxx, Body Shop, Boots, Spotify, Victoria's Secret and Sports Direct, and even hung in the National Portrait Gallery in London on two occasions.
The model, 23, is paired in this year's competition with pro Vito Coppola and is already a favourite with fans
Ellie has been flown to Sweden, Italy and Germany for photoshoots, and has just strutted her stuff on the catwalk at London Fashion Week.
When Mattel launched its first Barbie with Down's syndrome, the company hired the star to help promote the doll.
'I've done so much modelling and I love it,' she previously told Daily Mail.
'And I adored doing the Barbie job — it was great to finally see a doll that looked like me.'
