The upcoming 24th season of BBC's flagship dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing, is reportedly facing internal division over a strategic shift towards casting Gen Z celebrities. Sources within the corporation suggest that executives are prioritizing younger influencers and reality stars, a move that risks alienating the show's established older viewership.
Reports indicate that a previous restriction on signing numerous reality television personalities has been lifted as producers aim to attract the 18-to-24 age demographic. Among the names being considered or signed are Cach Mercer, winner of last year's Love Island, and Chris Appleton, the celebrity hairdresser known for working with Kim Kardashian.
Will Best, presenter of Big Brother, and Dani Dyer, another Love Island alumna, are also reportedly set to participate. Dyer had been previously forced to withdraw due to injury.
Some insiders are concerned that the new presenting duo of Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe may also deter older viewers, though the third host, Johannes Radebe, remains popular with that demographic. "There is something of a civil war within the BBC over Strictly," a source told the Mail on Sunday. "There is a real push to get young influencer types on, those who the older generations would never have heard of in a month of Sundays."
Previously, the show featured perhaps one influencer per season, such as Joe Sugg or George Clarke. The current season, however, is said to feature a higher number of contestants appealing primarily to younger audiences. "The feel of the show is going to change dramatically with Emma and Josh hosting rather than Tess [Daly] and Claudia [Winkleman] but with so many young contestants there risks being a huge lean towards going after youngsters," the source added. "Older people already feel like there is less and less for them on the BBC. Meanwhile, the BBC are chasing a young audience who would rather watch YouTube."
Despite these internal concerns, other confirmed contestants include EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, former Neighbours star Delta Goodrem, and former Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey. The show is also set to introduce five new, younger professional dancers following the departure of four established female professionals.
"The last thing that the BBC needs to do is turn off its core audience," a source emphasized. "It is those people who pay their TV licences. Strictly brings them so much joy. For many, it's all they watch on the Beeb."
The 24th season of Strictly Come Dancing is scheduled to premiere in September.
