Ignore the critics, Strictly Come Dancing doesn’t need changing for 2026 – apart from one thing

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The latest Celebrity Mastermind featured Strictly Come Dancing‘s Nikita Kuzmin, who chose Cristiano Ronaldo as his specialist subject. Considering English isn’t his first language, he did remarkably well – it was like he was thinking on his feet under pressure, a bit like Ginger Rogers famously described dancing ‘backwards and in heels’.

Strictly Come Dancing has evolved remarkably, with the professional dancers now just as popular as the celebrities they partner. They’ve become vital to the BBC, with stars like Oti Mabuse and Janette Manrara landing their own hosting roles, and Anton du Beke transitioning effortlessly into a judging position on the show itself. It’s a win-win for both the BBC and everyone involved.

Strictly Come Dancing has faced some internal challenges recently, with complaints and investigations causing concern. However, strong behind-the-scenes procedures and personalities like Chris McCausland have kept the show steady. Now, a significant shift is happening. After a decade of successful leadership from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, their departure has led some to wonder if this marks the beginning of the end for the popular series.

I’ve been reading the feedback about RT, and it’s clear how much everyone will miss the pair! It’s also interesting to see people thinking about how to keep the show fresh. One publicist who was involved from the start actually suggested a break – a year off to let things settle and bring some new life to it. It makes you wonder, though – does a show as huge as this really need a pause to stay relevant?

After two decades, the BBC faces a critical turning point, perfectly illustrating the larger issue it confronts: how to maintain its current viewers while also preparing for the future.

If I had to pick just one thing to improve about the show, it would be this. Otherwise, anyone wanting to update it could take inspiration from international versions, like the fun “instant dance” challenge we had last season – where couples quickly changed and performed an impromptu routine.

The show could bring back popular former contestants in an ‘All-Stars’ format, and figuring out the new hosts is a big priority. However, if they brainstorm ideas like focusing on personal stories, adding glamour, creating a diverse cast appealing to all ages, highlighting judges’ knowledge, sharing behind-the-scenes footage, including family messages, and boosting social media interaction, they’ll quickly see that ‘Strictly’ already excels at all of those things.

This show seems to have hit the mark from the very beginning – a remarkable feat considering it debuted in 2004 alongside popular programs like Pop Idol, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, and The X Factor. Of all those shows, it’s the only one still on the air. The idea of taking a year off, suggested by a publicist, might actually be smart. It’s not that the show is losing its appeal, but after so many years of consistently delivering what viewers want on a Saturday night, we might just be taking it for granted.

Graham Norton cleverly suggested temporarily taking the BBC off the air to show people how much they rely on it. The same idea applies to Strictly Come Dancing – a short break would likely remind viewers just how much they enjoy the show. But to those who dismiss it as old-fashioned, I’d ask: what could possibly replace it?

And the one thing I’d change? The theme tune. There, I’ve said it. Shot in the arm. Don’t shoot me.

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Authors

Caroline Frost

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2026-01-14 11:34