Richard Osman Suggests Format Changes for 'Strictly Come Dancing'

Television presenter Richard Osman has proposed adjustments to the format of 'Strictly Come Dancing,' following a recent decline in viewership for the show's opening live episode. The initial broadcast saw 4.8 million viewers tune in, a decrease from the 6.2 million who watched the first live show last year.

Osman, speaking on his podcast 'The Rest Is Entertainment,' suggested that professional dancer Johannes Radebe, who has taken on a new role in the 'Clauditorium,' may require a modified position. Osman believes Radebe is not suited to fulfilling the 'emotional' or 'comic' elements that former presenter Claudia Winkleman previously handled. "Johannes needs a slightly different role in the Clauditorium," Osman stated. "He needs not just to be fed what Claudia used to be fed, because Claudia would turn that into something. And Johannes needs something a bit more It Takes Two, where you go into maybe some of the technical details or something a bit more."

He further elaborated, "I'm not sure he can do the emotional journey in the same way that Claudia can, or the comic stuff or the diffusing of the tension."

Osman also expressed a personal pet peeve regarding the contestants' introductions. He requested that producers avoid having celebrities begin by saying, "You'll probably know me for" or "I'm best known as," calling the practice "embarrassing for every single person who is" involved. He suggested a more direct approach, such as stating, "Look, I train dogs on Channel Five."

The BBC acknowledged the viewership figures, with a spokesperson stating, "Strictly was the most watched programme of the night, with a peak of 5 million viewers. As ever, overnight ratings do not give the full picture of all those who watch in an on-demand world."

Last Saturday's pre-recorded launch show had attracted a peak of 5.8 million viewers. While the peak figure for the first live show represents a small increase compared to the previous year, it remains below the numbers recorded before the show faced controversies, including allegations about the treatment of contestants and behind-the-scenes culture, which led to enhanced welfare measures. Prior to these issues, the show's launch episode in 2023 peaked at 6.7 million viewers and averaged 6.3 million.

The new presenting team, comprising Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe on the dancefloor alongside Radebe in the 'Clauditorium,' has received mixed reactions. Some viewers have criticized the setup, with Widdicombe being labeled a "spare part" by some. However, he also garnered praise for a "change partners" joke, a playful nod to the show's new pairing format, which amused viewers.