Strictly Come Dancing viewers are furious after the BBC quietly ‘removed’ a much-loved section of the show

Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left furious after the BBC announced that a feature linked to the show was to be axed.

BBC bosses announced on Tuesday that they will discontinue the show’s official blog to concentrate on its other social media sites.

Previously, the blog contained updates from the Strictly team, including song reveals, announcements and statements from each week, and updates after each elimination.

Writing on his official siteThe team explained their decision by saying: “We understand that a community has been built over the years and some of you will find this disappointing.”

‘However, in line with changes in audience behaviour, the decision has been taken to direct users to our social channels, where there are active communities discussing the show on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.’

‘The Strictly blog and its comments section will soon close, as will other BBC blogs, and content will no longer be published or updated.’

‘This blog will remain open for 24 hours before being permanently closed to comments.’

They concluded: “Thank you for your contributions over the years and we hope you will join us on our social channels.”

Angry fans took to the comments section to express their disappointment with the decision.

One fan raged: “Shame on you BBC. Not all of us use social media and even if we did I don’t think it would replace our blogging family.” “I don’t know if I’m more upset or angry that the BBC has decided to shut this blog down.”

“I don’t really think I’ll be that involved in the show, although I’ll be watching it anyway.” The commentator noted that they “loved the banter and the online partying” and added: “It was particularly good for those who didn’t have anyone else to discuss it with.”

‘I remain puzzled by this decision and in particular by the comment about the audience’s changing behaviour. This suggests that not enough people are contributing to the blog. However, on 30/09/23 there were 1644 comments, on 28/10/23 there were 2175 comments and on 25/11/23 there were 2496 comments. This does not suggest that there is a lack of traffic to the blog.’

“There is much more to this than the BBC is prepared to say… or admit.”; “I have many questions about this and the timing of it. It seems like a ‘death by a thousand cuts’ and smacks of contempt for those who have chosen to use the blog over the years.”

The news comes after former Strictly coach Ian Waite controversially urged bosses to “not hire Italians” for the show following the Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice bullying scandal.

Giovanni, 34, quit the show in April following allegations of bullying by his dance partner, Amanda Abbington, and has denied all allegations.

Meanwhile, fellow Italian Graziano, 30, was sacked after admitting kicking his partner, Zara McDermott.

“Well, there is a connection. They are both Italian. And a little advice: don’t hire Italians anymore,” Ian said in the Getting Naked with Matt Haycox’s Podcast.

He said: “One of the problems is that as professional dancers we were not given any safeguarding rules or guidance on how we should behave around our celebrity partners.”

“What is offensive or abusive if there are no clear guidelines?”

“We had to figure it out ourselves.”

Amid ongoing harassment allegations, the 53-year-old dancer, who recently won Dancing with the Stars Australia, has spoken out.

He said: “There were times when I fought with my partner, yes. And there were times when there were even a lot of shouting matches, but it was for a good reason.”

“Unless everything is filmed, it’s your word against theirs.”

As the 20th anniversary series of Strictly faces controversy, the BBC carefully skirted the issue during Saturday’s launch show.

Professional dancer Amy Dowden, who is now cancer-free, was a vision in a dazzling fuchsia ballroom dress, twirling as she showed off her incredible moves with her fellow dancers as part of her triumphant return.

Strictly’s class of 2024 features stars including 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 made history as the show’s first blind contestant, He has already become a huge fan favorite thanks to his wicked sense of humor.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 21st September on BBC1.