Strictly fans fume as popular spinoff is secretly ditched – as BBC confirms 'we made a decision'
The race for the Glitterball Trophy is well underway, but it appears Strictly Come Dancing viewers are fuming about one huge change to the BBC show. In fact, the huge shake up has resulted in one star even being quietly ditched – and the BBC has exclusively confirmed the news to OK!
Strictly Come Dancing: The Official Podcast has been a staple for fans ever since it began in 2018, as it sees the likes of that year's finalist Joe Sugg team up with producer Kim Winston to bring an access all areas backstage pass to the show. Bringing all the behind-the-scenes gossip and dancefloor glory, listeners have been hooked ever since.
However, its absence from BBC Sounds this year has made huge waves in the Strictly fanbase with many questioning why they've not recorded any episodes for the 2024 series. One puzzled supporter asked on social media: "Has anyone found the Strictly podcast this year? Can't find it on Sounds." Many were then quick to pipe up and wonder the same, with one saying: "There isn't one this year," while another suggested: "Strictly Speaking is an unofficial podcast if you want to listen to that."
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The lack of an official podcast also left fans questioning what that could mean for its iconic host, Joe. Referring to the unofficial podcast, one wrote: "Not a patch on Joe Sugg." Another said: "The podcast isn't a patch on the BBC one Joe Sugg and Kim did. There were lots of behind the scenes interviews."
A BBC spokesperson said of the podcast's axing: "In early 2024, we made the decision to end Strictly Come Dancing: The Official Podcast. We’re very proud of the last six series and grateful to Joe Sugg, Kim Winston and all the team involved who made it a success. Fans of Strictly can still tune in to Off the Telly, our weekly TV podcast.
"Hosted by superfan Joanna Page and former contestant Natalie Cassidy, they'll share their hot takes on the action from the dancefloor, along with the usual blend of telly recommendations and weekly observations from their households and Off The Telly listeners”.
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Aside from the lack of podcast episodes, viewers have been kept on their toes with this series' contestants. In particular, Pete Wicks and partner Jowita Przystal - who were reportedly seen cosying up together at a backstage drinks party following the show - were dubbed the “fittest couple ever” by viewers at home during their second live performance on the show. As they performed the American Smooth, Pete pulled Jowita in close with their lips just millimetres apart, before ending the dance by leaning in for a kiss before the lights cut out.
Following the performance, some viewers insinuated that the pair had actually kissed, while others hoped for a blossoming romance. “Pete Wicks and Jowita would be the FITTEST couple ever, just saying #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly,” wrote one on X.
“Jowita and pete make me feral i need them to get to the final so i can keep watching them almost kiss #strictly,” another added. A third commented: “Obsessed with pete just walking around for two minutes and kissing jowita a few times #Strictly.”
Judge Motsi Mabuse also commented on the “romantic atmosphere” the duo had created during the dance. “I think both of you, you had such a beautiful, flirty, romantic atmosphere, and I believed it was authentic,” she said after their performance.
