Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts are left dismayed following a major alteration to the BBC programme, which has led to the low-key exit of a beloved star.
The BBC divulged to OK! that the much-loved Strictly Come Dancing: The Official Podcast, which debuted in 2018, won’t be making a comeback for the 2024 series.
The podcast was a hit, featuring Joe Sugg and producer Kim Winston providing fans with an intimate peek behind the scenes, complete with interviews and scoops. Yet, its absence on BBC Sounds this year has bewildered and upset ardent followers.
One perplexed fan took to social media, querying: “Has anyone found the Strictly podcast this year? Can’t find it on Sounds.”
The query opened a floodgate, as fans piled in, some recommending the non-official podcast, Strictly Speaking, as a potential substitute. Joe Sugg’s future is also under speculation due to the halt of the official podcast, triggering fan upset, typified by comments such as: “Not a patch on Joe Sugg” and “The podcast isn’t a patch on the BBC one Joe Sugg and Kim did. There were lots of behind the scenes interviews.”
A BBC spokesperson articulated the end of the podcast era, expressing, “In early 2024, we made the decision to end Strictly Come Dancing: The Official Podcast. We’re very proud of the last six series and grateful to Joe Sugg, Kim Winston and all the team involved who made it a success. Fans of Strictly can still tune in to Off the Telly, our weekly TV podcast.”
They’ve rolled out a new option for enthusiasts: “Hosted by superfan Joanna Page and former contestant Natalie Cassidy, they’ll share their hot takes on the action from the dancefloor, along with the usual blend of telly recommendations and weekly observations from their households and Off The Telly listeners.”
The buzz is still in the air despite the podcast’s end, especially about Pete Wicks and his dancing partner Jowita Przystal, reports the Mirror.
After being reportedly seen in a tender moment at a backstage drinks soiree, the duo had everyone gossiping during their American Smooth routine as they came perilously close to kissing when the lights dimmed.
Social media post-dance was electric with rumours—did they, didn’t they lock lips?
A viewer yearning for a love story tweeted, “Pete Wicks and Jowita would be the FITTEST couple ever, just saying #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly,” courtesy of X. “Jowita and pete make me feral i need them to get to the final so i can keep watching them almost kiss #strictly,” another admirer posted.
One fan exclaimed: “Obsessed with pete just walking around for two minutes and kissing jowita a few times #Strictly.”
Even Judge Motsi Mabuse commented on the undeniable charm between them after their dance: “I think both of you, you had such a beautiful, flirty, romantic atmosphere, and I believed it was authentic,” she said.
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