Strictly Come Dancing returned to TV screens on Saturday night with a glittering opening number, marking the start of its 20th year. The show featured a brand new set of celebrities hitting the dancefloor, paired with professional dancers for the competition.
Despite the excitement of the launch show, there was no mention of the controversies that have plagued the show over the summer. Former contestants have come forward with allegations of mistreatment and inappropriate behavior during rehearsals.
Actress Amanda Abbington claimed her former dance partner’s behavior was “cruel and mean,” while TV star Zara McDermott said she found incidents during training “incredibly distressing” to watch back. In response to these complaints, the BBC has implemented changes behind the scenes, including the addition of chaperones in all rehearsal rooms and new welfare producers.
The show also welcomed back dancer Amy Dowden, who was diagnosed with cancer last year. The judges, hosts, and dancers did not address the allegations during the launch show, focusing instead on the performances and pairings of the new season’s contestants.
The live shows are set to begin next week, with the series including all the usual theme weeks such as Halloween, Musicals, and the Blackpool week. Despite the controversies surrounding the show, the new contestants have expressed a desire to move forward and focus on their own experiences in the competition.
