BBC Strictly Come Dancing needs to have 'huge reset' as 'tension' is ruining show

Strictly Come Dancing has been urged to reset the format after a series of scandals.

Emma Gane a top Brand and Business Strategist for female entrepreneurs has shared her thoughts on how the BBC show can bounce back after a rocky year, before the show has even returned to screens for a new series.

The show marks it's 20th season this year but so far the celebrations have been marred by scandal as both Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima have had their training methods called into question. Neither man will appear in the upcoming season.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk Emma gave her thoughts on what the show needs to do in order to regain it's identity and public trust. "As a flagship BBC brand, it’s a shame that it’s been allowed to morph over time," she pondered.

"I don’t think it’s clear on what it is anymore. Is it about pure joy or peak performance? Is it a celebration of giving it a go, or should we have serious expectations?

"I think it needs to go back to its roots - family fun with an ‘anyone can do it’ mentality, where we laugh at the celebrities and they’re celebrated for being brave enough to do it. The professional’s job is to give them a wonderful experience and it will all feel lower pressure and human again.

"If we’re going to be judging celebrities like professionals, burning them out to achieve superhuman results in condensed times and expecting professional dancers to facilitate that, things will start to creak," she reasoned.

"Brands don’t get to cover up these disconnects anymore. We get to see and feel the real behind-the-scenes. However good the sprays tans, we can feel the tension and the burnout," Emma observed.

In recent months the show has been besieged by dramas and scandals beginning when Giovanni's 2023 celebrity partner Amanda Abbington quit the show. The Sherlock actress pulled out of week four live shows due to "medical reasons", and it was later confirmed she would not be returning

The BBC launched an investigation into Giovanni's alleged behaviour during rehearsals while Amanda was diagnosed with mild PTSD after her experience training with him.

Giovanni has vehemetly denied all allegations against him.

Most recently Graziano di Prima was dropped from this year's pro line up after concerns were raised about his treatment of Zara McDermott in rehersals for last year's show.

Just three days ago (July 13) the Italian dancer confirmed the rumours of his axing were true in a candid statement on Instagram. 

He said he "regrets the events that led to his departure" but added, "when the time is right I'll share my story".

Emma Gane is Brand & Business Strategist for female entrepreneurs with The Wild Ones.