EXLUSIVE: Strictly legend Ian Waite tells the Mirror that Strictly’s results show needs a major shake-up – and that could mean going back to its pre-2007 format…
Strictly’s results show needs a big shake-up and shouldn’t be pre-recorded, according to former pro dancer Ian Waite.
BBC bosses were hit with another headache after the results showed a sharp drop in viewing figures compared with last year. The first results of the year, which saw Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden sent packing, drew in 4.5million viewers compared with last year’s 6.2million.
Every year, fans complain about the dance-off result being spoiled, and this year was no exception. As a result, many viewers don’t bother to tune in after finding out who was eliminated via audience moles on social media.
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So how can the BBC combat that? “I do think if we had a live result show, it would probably be better,” Ian tells the Mirror. “Run Strictly earlier, maybe 6 o’clock till till 8 o’clock, and then run the result show at nine.
“So that it’s all done before 9.30, 9.45 so they’ll still have that time in between to count the votes. It’s a shame it’s not a live show, and maybe that’s what it needs to be.” The 55-year-old dancer adds: “I think pre-recorded is never as exciting.”
The results show used to air live on Saturday night until it changed in 2007. Then-BBC 1 controller Peter Fincham decided to move the Strictly results show to a Sunday in order for the BBC to compete better with ITV on that day. It was also extended by an extra 15 minutes from 30 minutes to 45 minutes.
Viewers also used to have more control over the dance-off result and would vote to save someone after both celebrities had danced a second time. However, they went on to introduce the judges vote, with the late Len Goodman instilled as the head judge to make a deciding vote if it was split.
By moving the results show to Sunday, the BBC had to start pre-recording it after the main show on Saturday as they were unable to use the studio space at Elstree on both days.
However, there have been a lot of changes made to Strictly this year already – but Ian believes the BBC show needed a change. “I think Strictly was ready for a change with some new input for fresh ideas,” he says. “The new pros are fantastic, but I do think it probably needs some sort of change in the choreographical sense so that group members are slightly different, done slightly differently. But listen, it still is a very glitzy Saturday night, slick, amazing show. The trouble is, there’s nothing to replace it.”
Giving his opinion on the new hosting format, Ian says the presenters are improving each week but reckons comedian Josh Widdicombe needs to “find his funny”.
“Obviously Emma [Willis] is amazing and I think Josh will come into his own,” he says. “I think he just needs to find his feet and find his funny because he is so funny and and we can yet yet to really see that a lot yet.
“I’m surprised that they put him with Emma [on the dance floor] , but maybe things will change throughout the series, and maybe they’ll move things around. But I think I understand why they’ve been chosen. I think they just need to step forward and do what they’ve been chosen for.
“Emma’s that anchor, Josh is the funny, and Johannes is the pro who knows all about dancing. So let’s make it relatable to the dancing. And I think if they can do that, then they’re going to be fantastic.”
Ian was speaking on behalf of BestBettingBonuses.co.uk.
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