Strictly Come Dancing has lost almost a million viewers.
The BBC Latin and ballroom programme was back on screens this weekend, despite a major scandal and a shock victory for the NTA, on its 20th anniversary.
Actress Amanda Abbington unexpectedly quit the show in October last year after claiming her partner Giovanni Pernice abused her.
The competition was then hit by a fresh wave of scandal when Graziano Di Prima was sacked in July for ‘kicking’ his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott.
However, it has now emerged that the show has lost a large portion of its viewers since last year.
Strictly Come Dancing’s viewing figures have plummeted following the major scandals that plagued the show during its 20th anniversary
Presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly enthusiastically introduced this year’s celebrities and revealed which dancers they would be paired with – but last year’s controversies were not mentioned.
Saturday’s launch show’s ratings showed 5.5 million viewers watching a series of celebrities teaming up with professional dancers, up from 6.2 million in 2023.
The BBC avoided any mention of the series’ string of scandals in the opening episode.
Hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly enthusiastically introduced this year’s celebrities and announced which dancers they would be paired with. However, last year’s controversies remained unmentioned.
Giovanni, 33, has been suspended while the BBC investigates allegations made by Amanda and two other former celebrities.
He has strongly denied the allegations.
With the report into his misconduct due to be released any day now, Amanda is reportedly deeply disappointed with BBC bosses who fear they are ‘protecting’ the dancer during the bullying investigation.
High-level meetings have been held between BBC bosses to work out how to present their findings, with fears of legal action from Amanda or Giovanni if either of them is disappointed with the outcome.
Despite the disappointing numbers, Saturday’s launch show went off with the usual bells and whistles.
Actress Amanda Abbington unexpectedly left the show last October after she claimed her partner Giovanni Pernice abused her
The show was hit by a fresh wave of scandal when Graziano Di Prima was sacked in July for ‘kicking’ his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott
The show returned on Saturday to much fanfare, but ratings were not as high as those of the previous series.
Professional dancer Amy Dowden – who is now cancer-free – looked a picture in a dazzling fuchsia ball gown as she spun around and showed off her incredible moves to her fellow dancers as part of her triumphant comeback.
The Strictly class of 2024 includes stars including EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri and JLS singer JB Gill.
Other contestants include X Factor winner Shayne Ward, Miranda star Sarah Hadland and DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles.
Comedian Chris McCausland – who made history as the show’s first blind contestant – has become a firm fan favourite thanks to his mischievous sense of humour.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 21 September on BBC1.