Strictly Come Dancing Launch Ratings Show Modest Rise Amid Host Changes

The launch show for the latest season of Strictly Come Dancing, featuring a new hosting team of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, drew a peak audience of 5.8 million viewers. This figure represents a small increase from last year's peak of 5.6 million, according to overnight ratings. However, the numbers fall short of viewing figures recorded before the program faced controversies regarding contestant treatment and behind-the-scenes culture.

Prior to these issues, which led to the departure of dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima and prompted the BBC to implement stricter welfare measures, the Strictly launch show peaked at 6.7 million viewers and averaged 6.3 million in 2023.

BBC executives had hoped that a refreshed format and the new presenting trio would attract viewers who had drifted away. The current ratings suggest this goal has not yet been significantly achieved.

The pre-recorded launch episode featured an opening dance from the professional dancers, including five new additions, alongside the judges and the new hosts. The 15 celebrity contestants also learned their pairings for the competition.

Willis, Widdicombe, and Radebe have taken over hosting duties from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who concluded their tenure at the end of the 2025 series. Widdicombe acknowledged feeling nervous about the debut, stating it was "a little bit overwhelming to be here but we are so excited." Willis expressed anticipation for the upcoming weeks, saying, "We cannot wait to spend the next 13 weeks with all of you."

Viewer reactions on social media were mixed. Willis received praise for her performance, with one user calling her "the goddess of British TV." However, the three-presenter format drew criticism, with some viewers describing it as "awkward and forced" and questioning its necessity.

Some viewers also felt Widdicombe appeared "out of his depth."

In a tactical scheduling move, ITV's The Voice, which Willis also hosts, began earlier than usual to avoid a direct clash with the Strictly launch. The Voice started at 6:10 p.m. instead of its typical 7 p.m. slot, while Strictly commenced at 7:25 p.m.

Despite the scheduling adjustment, The Voice saw its viewership decline, peaking at 2 million viewers and averaging 1.6 million, a loss of half a million viewers from the previous week. This season of The Voice has also been affected by controversy surrounding the reported dropping of coach Tom Jones.

Willis is currently appearing on two major primetime shows simultaneously, drawing an estimated combined audience of around 7 million viewers across both programs on Saturday. A source noted this as an achievement for Willis, highlighting her respected status among crews. A BBC insider acknowledged the "awkward situation" for Willis but expressed confidence that Strictly, as the "bigger show," would continue to attract a larger audience than The Voice.

The first live show of the new Strictly Come Dancing series is scheduled to air next Saturday at 6:15 p.m. on BBC One and iPlayer.