BBC Strictly fans outraged as they blast 'shameful' axe of popular show feature amid bullying scandal
Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left outraged at yet another change to the series
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing has received yet another blow and left fans outraged after the decision was made to close its much-loved blog after 14 years.
The BBC competition kicks off this weekend with all 15 contestants taking to the dancefloor for the first time with their professionals, showcasing what they have learnt in their two weeks of training.
Many fans are excited to see how they will fare against the pressure of a live show and anticipate the brutal comments from the judges, but most have recently been left disappointed after news of the blog's closure.
It provided "the latest news and backstage gossip" and "was the place to get your daily dose of dance floor drama and training room trials", which has left some to express that it was the only way they got their information.
The blog has run in some form as far back as 2010 and has been a hub for Strictly viewers to keep up to date with the hit reality competition and offer their own thoughts and opinions on the latest developments.
In a final post on September 17, the BBC wrote: "We understand that a community has built up over the years and some of you will find this disappointing.
The first live show will kick off this weekend with the celebrities showing off their new found skills
BBC
"However, in line with changing audience behaviours, a decision has been made to direct users to our social channels where there are active communities discussing the show on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok."
The broadcaster confirmed the comment section would be shut down after 24 hours and no more content would be "published or updated": "Thank you for your contributions over the years, and we hope that you join us on our social channels."
The move to newer forms of social media has not gone down well with those in the comments, with many fearing the decision to close the blog comes after the ongoing controversy that was sparked by Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima's axings.
Earlier this year, Amanda Abbington claimed that she was "bullied and abused" by Pernice during their time together in the 2023 series, forcing her to drop out of the show during week five - something which the Italian dancer has vehemently continued to deny.
The judges will have their notebooks ready to critique the dancers
BBC
Following the scandal, Di Prima was later axed after it surfaced that he "kicked, hit and spat" at Zara McDermott during their time together - the 30-year-old admitted to an instance of kicking the Love Island star but denied all other accusations.
The blog's comment section was flooded with angry users who expressed their dismay at the decision to close the blog, one outraged user fuming: "I am not on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok so thank you BBC, NOT!!!!!!"
A second hit out: "Like so many who used the blog, it absolutely added to my enjoyment of and enthusiasm for Strictly. I find the timing of this decision questionable, and fear the reason is to reduce/control the negative traffic regarding the recent controversy.
"I doubt that any consideration has been given to the ardent fans and regular users and ultimately license fee payers."
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Giovanni Pernice's behaviour has been under investigation since the beginning of the year
PA
A third agreed: "I am full of questions about this and the timing. It feels like 'death by a thousand cuts' and smacks of a disregard for those who have chosen for years to use the blog. They seem to have no idea about how much the show is loved, and the additional pleasure the blog gives to those of us invested in the show."
"I loved the banter that we had and the silliness that came out from time to time. I will miss the sparkly knickers, the naughty step and the Strictly parties. It was particularly good for those who had no one else to discuss it with. Shame on you, BBC. We don’t all use social media and even if we did I don’t think it would replace our blog family," another slammed.
The user’s words were echoed by a fifth who added: "I use neither Instagram, Facebook nor TikTok. I assume the BBC is happy to pretend people like me don’t exist. Why when something works well and does no harm does it have be updated so that older people are left behind?
"I appreciate this won’t apply to everyone but I shall be sad to lose the Strictly blog which adds to my enjoyment of the programme." (sic)
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