The Strictly Come Dancing professionals have voiced their predictions for the show after it was plunged into crisis.
In recent months, the dancing competition has been hit by a wave of scandals, with Giovanni Pernice being probed after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour, while Graziano Di Prima was sacked over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals.
Bookmakers have since revealed new odds on the show being scrapped – saying the fate of the show hangs on this year’s series.
Yet with the new series set to air and in honour of it being the show’s 20th anniversary, this year’s professionals have revealed what they think the show will be like in 20 years.
Aljaž Škorjanec, who returned to the show this series after a two-year hiatus, has grand plans for the programme, predicting technology will overhaul the format.
The Strictly pros have revealed their predictions for scandal plague’s programme’s future as bookies reveal new odds on show being axed (pictured: Aljaz Skorjanec)
Amy Dowden said: ‘I think it will always keep its element of Ballroom and that’s the beauty of this show, and what makes it so iconic but it will continue to develop’
He shared: ‘I can’t wait for the show to start using things like holograms and AI. It’ll be tricky to know what’s real and what’s not, but that might be the next technical step.’
Yet he warned against making too many changes, adding: ‘I think what makes Strictly so successful is that it’s stuck to its original format watching dances that people love and then learn to love themselves.
‘Let’s be honest, most people watching Strictly haven’t been in a dance class or studio themselves, but even watching it feels the same.
‘That’s why people get more invested each year. So, keep the format exactly the same, but just add even more to the production.’
Amy Dowden – who is also returning after taking a year off while she battled breast cancer – shared: ‘I think it’s quite exciting to see how much it’s evolved. The costumes, the set, the dance, the dancers, the music and also the show keeps evolving by adding couple’s choice, Argentine Tango, Charleston.
‘I think it will always keep its element of Ballroom and that’s the beauty of this show, and what makes it so iconic but it will continue to develop. I think it’ll still be the nation’s favourite show.’
Carlos Gu brushed off any rumours of the series being axed as he predicted: ‘I genuinely think the show will go on for as long as possible.
‘Every year, we have different new, fresh celebrities. It’s always a new experience for people who watch the show, so you never find it cliché and it never feels like, “Oh, I’ve seen this before.”
‘Every year is a new experience for us Professional Dancers as well as for the celebrities.’
Carlos Gu brushed off any rumours of the series being axed as he predicted: ‘I genuinely think the show will go on for as long as possible’
He was echoed by Dianne Buswell who shared: ‘I honestly think it is still the best show and will continue to be the best show on TV for many years to come’
Gorka Marquez wasn’t sure when he was asked about the future but said: ‘I don’t know but I do hope I am still here in 20 years’ time. I will be 53 but hopefully I’ll still be here’
Johannes Radebe predicted things will only get better, saying: ‘The show has evolved so much since it started’
Jowita Przystal reasoned that the nature of the show makes it hard to change, explaining: ‘I never thought we could get better and better each year’
He was echoed by Dianne Buswell who shared: ‘I honestly think it is still the best show and will continue to be the best show on TV for many years to come.
‘I hope in 20 years time they’ll look back at stuff I’ve done with my partners and think that was cool. I hope that they look back with fond memories just as we look back on Strictly series one so fondly.’
Gorka Marquez wasn’t sure when he was asked about the future but said: ‘I don’t know but I do hope I am still here in 20 years’ time. I will be 53 but hopefully I’ll still be here.’
Johannes Radebe predicted things will only get better, saying: ‘The show has evolved so much since it started. But now, every year, the show keeps topping itself. How we do that, I don’t know.
‘Honestly, at the end of every series, I think, “This was the best,” and then the next year comes, and I think, “No, this is the best one.” So, in 20 years, who knows?’
Jowita Przystal reasoned that the nature of the show makes it hard to change, explaining: ‘I never thought we could get better and better each year because we use the same foundation of ballroom dancing.
‘We can’t change the rules; we can’t change the steps. But if you watch Strictly, year by year, it’s just getting better and better.’
Karen Haeur’s view differed, as she pointed out: ‘The show has been evolving over the past few years. We get different dancers, different choreographers’
Kai Widdrington said: ‘I think it’s going to be bigger and better, probably with more glitter, and filled with weird and wonderful things’
Katya Jones added: ‘I imagine that there’ll be more glitter and more glamour and more incredible dancing’
Lauren Oakley praised the traditional format, sharing: ‘The beauty of Strictly is that we know what we’re getting. It’s always the same, and that’s comforting’
Karen Haeur’s view differed, as she pointed out: ‘The show has been evolving over the past few years. We get different dancers, different choreographers. The public is so used to what we offer.
‘The best thing about Strictly is that it keeps its magic. It doesn’t change too much, which is nice people like that. It’s like the warm blanket you had growing up. I think that will always stay.
‘Strictly is the beating heart of television; it keeps everyone coming back. It ’s a nice feeling, and I think that’s what it’ll continue to do. It’ll keep bringing joy, continue to bring exciting new ideas, but it will always stay the same in essence.
‘There’s a tradition we’ve never lost, and I think that will always remain. Of course, everything else changes as the world changes, and we keep up with the times, but I don’t think it needs to change very much because it’s already a beautiful show.’
Kai Widdrington said: ‘I think it’s going to be bigger and better, probably with more glitter, and filled with weird and wonderful things.’
Katya Jones added: ‘I imagine that there’ll be more glitter and more glamour and more incredible dancing.
‘We’re going to keep bringing entertainment to the nation and give everybody an opportunity to gather around the TV in their living rooms, all of the generations together, because that’s what would do best.’
Lauren Oakley praised the traditional format, sharing: ‘The beauty of Strictly is that we know what we’re getting. It’s always the same, and that’s comforting. You know what you’re getting on a Saturday night, but it gets bigger and better every year.
‘It’s always about watching someone fall in love with dance and have their life transformed, and I think that’s what people love about it. Even in 20 years, I hope it stays the same, with new music and new fashions.’
Luba Mushtuk had few words, stating: ‘I think there will be more sparkles, more glamour and more wonderful people coming into the show.
Michelle Tsiakkas mused: ‘I’ve got great hopes for the show because, honestly, I just feel like it keeps getting better and better’
Nadiya Bychkova revealed she hoped her seven-year-old daughter, Mila would be able to follow in her footsteps in 20 years time
Luba Mushtuk had few words, stating: ‘I think there will be more sparkles, more glamour and more wonderful people coming into the show.’
Michelle Tsiakkas mused: ‘I’ve got great hopes for the show because, honestly, I just feel like it keeps getting better and better.
‘Every year, we keep topping what we did the previous year. And that’s obviously thanks to the amazing team we have: the choreographers, people behind the scenes, cameras, costumes, dancers just everybody.
‘I think we’re all at the top of our game, which makes it such an amazing show. So, I’m quite certain that the show will just keep getting better and better every year.’
Nadiya Bychkova revealed she hoped her seven-year-old daughter, Mila would be able to follow in her footsteps in 20 years time.
She shared: ‘I think the show is just growing in so many ways. With the way our lives and industry are developing, it’s more accessible to more people. We can probably reach an even bigger audience because of social media.
‘I think all of us are working on ourselves, and people are working to make sure the whole show is better and really accessible to anyone. So, I think it will just keep on going , keep on growing.
‘Who knows, maybe in 20 years, my daughter will be on the show dancing with another celeb! Maybe the next generation will take over.’
Nancy Xu predicted big change, saying: ‘It might be completely different from what we’re doing now. The show is based on Latin and Ballroom dance at the moment’
Neil Jones had high ambitions, saying: ‘I can’t imagine myself still dancing on the show in 20 years’ time. That would make me 62, you never know! Maybe I’ll be a judge by then’
Nikita Kuzmin mused: ‘I hope it always preserves its core essence and stays true to what it means to people. The show is joyful, it’s family. It’s the people’s show’
Vito Coppola did not provide an answer to the question
Nancy Xu predicted big change, saying: ‘It might be completely different from what we’re doing now. The show is based on Latin and Ballroom dance at the moment.
‘This is my sixth year, and when I look back at what I’ve seen in terms of video aspects, group dances, and wardrobe, everything has gone up a level and taken different directions.
‘Who knows what the future holds, but I’m very excited.’
Neil Jones had high ambitions, saying: ‘I honestly think it’s still going to be here. It’s going to keep growing and developing.
‘I can’t imagine myself still dancing on the show in 20 years’ time, as much as I would love to, I don’t know if my body will handle that. That would make me 62, you never know!
‘Maybe I’ll be a judge by then….’
Nikita Kuzmin mused: ‘I hope it always preserves its core essence and stays true to what it means to people. The show is joyful, it’s family. It’s the people’s show.
‘In my mind, Strictly is like a warm blanket, or a comforting hug. I hope it remains that way for everyone. Our job is to distract people or cheer them up I think and I hope that feeling will still be there in 20 years.’
Vito Coppola did not provide an answer to the question.
In recent months, the dancing competition has been hit by a wave of scandals , with Giovanni Pernice being probed after his partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour
Graziano Di Prima was sacked over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals
The remarks come as Betfred released fresh odds on the show’s future.
Analysis shows odds of Strictly being axed entirely after this year is 33.3 percent probability, whereas, odds for Strictly to be cancelled next year and for the show to take a break is 55.6 percent probability.
Speaking on behalf of Betfred, Showbiz Specialist Kayley Cornelius said: ‘This year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing will be crucial in determining the show’s future.
‘After a year of ongoing scandals, the BBC will undoubtedly be feeling the pressure to ensure everything runs smoothly, as the series may not survive another significant blow.
‘While the current odds of 4/2 suggest it’s unlikely that Strictly will be fully axed, the odds of the show taking a break next year are a more convincing 4/5.
‘These odds could shorten in the coming weeks as more details emerge regarding the investigation into former pro-dancer Giovanni Pernice’s case.’
Strictly’s launch show airs Saturday 14 September at 7.20pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
STRICTLY LINE-UP 2024
Chris McCausland
Age: 46
Profession: Comedian
Chris says: ‘If anybody out there is thinking – How the hell is he going to do that? – then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing.’
Dr. Punam Krishan
Age: Unknown
Profession: GP and broadcaster
Punam says: ‘I have watched Strictly every year and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied.’
Toyah Willcox
Age: 66
Profession: Singer, actor, presenter
Toyah says: ‘I’m super excited and love this show. To be a part of it, the spray tan the glitter. Its a landmark year for me I came a pensioner, Glasto and now I get spray tans.’
Pete Wicks
Age: 36
Profession: Reality star
Pete says: ‘Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.’
Shayne Ward
Age: 39
Profession: Actor and singer
Shayne says: ‘I’m no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level.’
Tom Dean
Age: 24
Profession: Olympic medal winning swimmer
Tom says: ‘Now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing’
Nick Knowles
Age: 61
Profession: TV presenter
Nick says: ‘I am going to really go for it I will throw myself at it 100 per cent!’
JB Gill
Age: 37
Profession: Singer
JB says: ‘A lot of the ballroom styles are very alien to me – I didn’t do those dances growing up. I am not a trained dancer.’
Wynne Evans
Age: 52
Profession: Opera singer, presenter
Wynne says: ‘The stuff I’m nervous about is the ones that involve jumping, I don’t really want to do the jive, I’m nervous about that.
Tasha Ghouri
Age: 25
Profession: Model and reality star
Tasha says: ‘I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it’s a firm Ghouri family favourite – so this is a total dream come true.’
Sarah Hadland
Age: 53
Profession: Actress
Sarah says: ‘I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year.’
Jamie Borthwick
Age: 30
Profession: EastEnders star
Jamie says: ‘I had a ball doing the Christmas special, so when I was asked to join it was the easiest yes!’
Sam Quek
Age: 35
Profession: Former GB hockey player and presenter
Sam says: ‘I am so relieved it is out there now it has been hard to keep a secret! The rumours were spreading and I had to lie! I am used to dancing on a girls night out but I will give it my all’
Paul Merson
Age: 56
Profession: Former footballer
Paul says: ‘I won’t worry about it until it starts but when it does I will be nervous – I have only danced three times in my life!’
