Michael Barrymore Criticizes "Strictly Come Dancing" as "Controlled and Contrived"

Veteran entertainer Michael Barrymore has voiced strong criticism of the BBC's "Strictly Come Dancing," labeling the popular show as "too controlled and contrived." Barrymore, who was once ITV's "Mr Saturday Night" and hosted shows that drew up to 15 million viewers, argued that the program has become overly safe and is no longer what audiences want.

Speaking to Radio Times, Barrymore suggested that viewers, influenced by years of television and social media, now require more from their entertainment. He posited that producers need to be more willing to take risks, contrasting it with his own Saturday-night hosting career which he described as having "a bit of an edge."

Barrymore also commented on the current trend of broadcasters spreading risk by not centering shows around a single star. He pointed to "Strictly" and "Bake Off" having multiple judges and presenters, implying that this approach allows shows to continue even if one personality faces controversy.

His remarks come as "Strictly Come Dancing" navigates a challenging period in its 22nd series, marked by a revamped format and presenting team. The BBC has introduced new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, replacing long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. This change has elicited mixed reactions from viewers.

The pre-recorded launch show for the current series attracted an average of 5.3 million viewers, a slight decrease from the 5.4 million recorded in 2025. While this decline is modest, the figures remain significantly below those achieved before the show faced a series of controversies, including allegations concerning the treatment of celebrity contestants and the behind-the-scenes culture. These issues led to the departure of professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima and prompted the BBC to implement enhanced welfare measures.

Prior to these controversies, the "Strictly" launch show in 2023 peaked at 6.7 million viewers and averaged 6.3 million. The BBC had hoped that the new format and presenting lineup would recapture lapsed viewers, but the initial ratings suggest these changes have not yet led to a substantial resurgence in viewership.

Adding to the show's uncertainties, sources close to "Strictly" have indicated concerns that the departure of long-time hosts could influence the judges to also leave. The contracts for head judge Shirley Ballas and judges Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke are set to expire at the end of the current season, requiring renegotiation.

There is speculation that Shirley Ballas may not return for an 11th series, with rumors suggesting she might relocate to the United States to be closer to her son, Mark, a professional dancer on America's "Dancing With The Stars," and her grandchildren. Insiders have expressed that the continuity provided by the judges was a key assurance for BBC bosses, but acknowledge that any of them could become free agents and choose not to return if contract renegotiations are unfavorable. The BBC reportedly refused a demand for an 11% pay raise from the judges in 2023, instead offering a 3-5% increase. Show sources indicate that further significant pay increases are unlikely given the current viewing figures.