STRICTLY bosses are fretting after the lowest viewing figures for the first live show of a series since it began.
A peak of 6.7 million fans watched on Saturday — down from 7.3 million last year and a high of 10.2million in 2020.
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The blow followed poor ratings — down a million in a year — as the celebrity pairings were revealed in the previous week’s launch show.
A TV insider said: “Strictly bosses were worried enough by the pre-recorded launch show.
“But the fact that the first live show saw a drop too will be of concern to them — particularly if the drop continues into next week, which is the first elimination show.
“They now face an anxious wait to see whether the drop in on-the-night viewers is made up for by an increase in fans watching Strictly on iPlayer, but those figures take days and weeks to compile.
“These live figures really matter to the Beeb, because Strictly is still seen as one of the few shows that provide the shared TV experience where people come together to watch a programme at a set time.”
Strictly has been hit by recent problems, including alleged bad behaviour behind the scenes by pros Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima.
But Saturday’s show saw Love Island star Tasha Ghouri dazzle on the dancefloor with pro partner Aljaz Skorjanec — finishing joint second with Miranda actress Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola.
Putting in the performances
JLS star JB Gill topped the scoreboard after bagging 30 points with pro partner Amy Dowden, returning to the show after treatment for breast cancer.
In joint third place with 26 points were Go Compare ad singer Wynne Evans with Katya Jones, plus Montell Douglas — aka Gladiators’ Fire — with pro partner Johannes Radebe.
Another outstanding performances came from blind comedian Chris McCausland, whose routine with Diane Buswell received 23 points.
Bookies Ladbrokes slashed his odds from 14/1 last week to 7/2.
One fan wrote on X/Twitter: “I sincerely hope this doesn’t come across as patronising, but I cried all the way through Chris McCausland’s routine.
I know the judges have to be as objective as possible but what we just witnessed Chris McCausland do was simply incredible
Strictly fan
“He has never seen any of the dances or the colours of Strictly, but he brought so much joy & spirit, and that for me is what it’s all about.”
Another agreed: “I know the judges have to be as objective as possible but what we just witnessed Chris McCausland do was simply incredible.”
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A third predicted Chris and Diane would lift the Glitterball trophy, adding: “Chris McCausland is a national treasure in waiting.”
Meanwhile host Claudia Winkleman also drew plenty of comments for wearing a long gown that had viewers comparing her to Princess Leia in the Star Wars movies.
One user joked online: “She’s just missing the Chelsea buns on the side of her head.”
Last night the BBC pointed out Strictly was still the most watched show on TV on Saturday night.
A spokesman went on: “Overnights no longer provide an accurate picture of all those who watch in an on-demand world.”
The BBC recently said the number of people using its catch-up service was increasing by 11 per cent a year.
An Ofcom report this year showed that the number of young people watching TV in the traditional way had fallen from 76 per cent to 48 per cent in the last six years.
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Blow, but show still dazzles
IF THERE’S ever a measure of the changing fortunes of Strictly — for better or worse — it’s the first live show of every series.
It’s the “business end” of the contest, second only in importance to the final.
In contrast, the launch show is just an introduction where none of the competitors actually dance.
There’s a reason why it’s considered by the Beeb to be “week one”, because it’s at this point that things really start to matter.
Which is why there’ll be some serious agonising over Saturday’s figures, and a few prayers they’ll make up the shortfall on iPlayer.
If not, then it either means the show has lost its shine, or it remains in the long shadow cast by bullying claims.
But anyone who watched Saturday’s show will be hoping it isn’t the beginning of the end.
With a mix of sexy glamour, inspiring dedication and some serious laughs, Strictly reminded us why it’s been such a huge hit for over 20 years.
Keep everything crossed that it still has a glittering future ahead of it.
But, make no mistake, this could be a watershed moment.
By Rod McPhee