Strictly Come Dancing suffers devastating blow after the launch of the new series as woes continue for the scandal-hit show

Strictly Come Dancing has lost nearly a million viewers.

The BBC Latin and ballroom show was back on screens this weekend amid a major scandal and a shock NTA win upon its 20th anniversary. 

Actress Amanda Abbington unexpectedly quit the show last October before claiming her partner Giovanni Pernice was abusive towards her.

The competition was then hit with a fresh wave of scandal when Graziano Di Prima was sacked in July for ‘kicking’ his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott. 

But it has now been revealed that the show has lost a huge chunk of viewers since last year.

Hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly excitedly introduced this year’s celebrities and announced which dancers they would be paired with – but the controversies of the last year went unmentioned

Overnight ratings for Saturday’s launch show revealed that 5.5 million viewers tuned in to see a string of celebrities paired up with professional dancers compared to 6.2 million in 2023.

The BBC dodged any mention of the show’s string of scandals during its launch episode. 

Hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly excitedly introduced this year’s celebrities and announced which dancers they would be paired with – but the controversies of the last year went unmentioned. 

Giovanni, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is underway over allegations made by Amanda and two other former celebrity partners. 

He has vehemently denied the claims. 

With the report into his misconduct due any day now, Amanda has reportedly been left deeply disappointed with the BBC bosses over fears they’re ‘protecting’ the dancer amid the bullying probe.

There have been high-level meetings among BBC bosses as they navigate how to deliver their findings as they fear the looming possibility of legal action from either Amanda or Giovanni if either is disappointed by the outcome. 

Despite the disappointing figures, Saturday’s launch show came went off with the usual bells and whistles.  

Actress Amanda Abbington unexpectedly quit the show last October before claiming her partner Giovanni Pernice was abusive towards her 

The show was hit with a fresh wave of scandal when Graziano Di Prima was sacked in July for ‘kicking’ his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott

The show returned on Saturday amid much fanfare but viewing figures have failed to live up to the previous series 

Professional dancer Amy Dowden – who is now cancer free – was a vision in a dazzling fuchsia ballroom gown twirling around as she displayed her incredible moves with her fellow dancers as part of her triumphant comeback. 

Strictly’s Class of 2024 is made up of stars like EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri and JLS singer JB Gill.

Other contestants include  X Factor winner Shayne Ward, Miranda star Sarah Hadland and DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles.

Comedian Chris McCausland – who has made history as the show’s first blind participant – has already become a firm favourite  amongst fans thanks to his wicked sense of humour.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday September 21 on BBC1. 

Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Who are the couples?

Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell 

 JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE 

Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk 

Paul Merson and Karen Hauer 

Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał

Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin 

Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola 

Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones 

Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez 

Wynne Evans and Katya Jones 

Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec 

Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas 

Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe 

Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova 

 Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu