Decline in Viewership for Strictly Come Dancing Premiere Show
The 2024 season of Strictly Come Dancing kicked off with a premiere show that garnered nearly a million fewer viewers compared to the previous year. According to audience figures, an average of 5.5 million viewers tuned in to watch the BBC One program, which aired from 7.20pm to 9pm. This decline in viewership has raised questions about the future of the long-running reality dance competition.
Viewing habits have evolved over the years, with an increasing number of people opting to watch shows on BBC iPlayer or catch-up TV platforms. These alternative viewing methods are not captured in overnight data, making it challenging to accurately assess the true viewership numbers for shows like Strictly Come Dancing. Despite the fluctuating audience figures, the show continues to be a popular staple on British television.
The premiere episode of Strictly Come Dancing in 2023 drew in a total of 6.2 million viewers, while the 2022 launch show attracted an average of 5.4 million viewers. In comparison, the 2021 pre-recorded launch show saw a peak viewership of seven million. The latest season’s premiere garnered a peak of 5.7 million viewers, slightly lower than the peak viewership of 6.7 million during the first show of 2023.
One of the standout moments of the premiere show was the triumphant return of Welsh dancer Amy Dowden. After being absent from the competition due to a breast cancer diagnosis, Dowden made an emotional comeback with a powerful routine that showcased her resilience. Following a mastectomy and chemotherapy, she proudly declared that she had “no evidence of disease” and was ready to hit the dance floor once again.
Dowden was paired with JLS star JB Gill for the latest season of Strictly Come Dancing, marking a new chapter in her journey on the show. Other contestants were also paired with their professional dance partners, including Toyah Willcox with Neil Jones, Tasha Ghouri with Aljaz Skorjanec, Sarah Hadland with Vito Coppola, and Dr. Punam Krishan with Gorka Marquez. The diverse pairings reflected the eclectic mix of celebrities competing in the 2024 season.
While the show’s focus remained on the joy of dance and the camaraderie between contestants and their partners, there was no mention of the controversies that have plagued Strictly Come Dancing in its 20th anniversary year. An investigation into allegations made against Giovanni Pernice by former contestant Amanda Abbington has yet to be resolved. Abbington accused Pernice of inappropriate behavior and described a toxic environment during her time on the show, allegations that Pernice vehemently denies.
In addition to the allegations involving Pernice, dancer Graziano Di Prima also made headlines after departing from the show amid controversy. Di Prima addressed accusations of mistreatment towards his dance partner Zara McDermott, emphasizing that he had no intention of causing harm. The departure of both Pernice and Di Prima has left a void in the lineup of professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing.
As the 2024 season continues to unfold, viewers eagerly anticipate the performances, eliminations, and surprises that lie ahead. Despite the decline in viewership for the premiere show, Strictly Come Dancing remains a beloved program that celebrates the art of dance and showcases the talents of celebrities from diverse backgrounds. Fans of the show can expect more drama, excitement, and dazzling routines in the weeks to come.
