A founding figure behind Strictly Come Dancing has made a dramatic call for the BBC to take the hit show off air for a year. Sam Hodges, who helped launch the programme over two decades ago, believes a planned break in 2026 could be its salvation.
The Call for a 'Fallow Year'
In comments shared on LinkedIn, Hodges proposed that Strictly should follow the example of Glastonbury Festival and consider a 'fallow year'. He argued that stepping back would allow the show to regain energy and make the public appreciate it more, rather than risking a decline through exhausted production.
"For the first time though, I think it's time to take a leaf out of Glastonbury's book and consider a fallow year for 2026," Hodges stated. He pointed out that the most recent series had been "clearly been tough on a whole host of fronts."
Reputation and Renewal
Hodges, who started as an Assistant Publicist on the show before rising to Head of Communications at the BBC, suggested a break could boost the programme's reputation more than hastily re-casting it. He emphasised that no one initially predicted the show would become such a huge hit when it launched with the working title 'Pro-Celebrity Come Dancing'.
"Things rarely finish on a high in TV," he remarked, warning that without care, shows often end with a tired final run or a damaging controversy. A strategic pause, he believes, would increase demand and allow for a refreshed return.
Host Departures and Underlying Concerns
This proposal comes as the BBC searches for two new main presenters. In October of last year, the iconic hosting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their joint departure after many years, stating it felt like the "right time" to leave.
Notably, concerns about the show's longevity have been hinted at before. In her 2020 book, Quite, Claudia Winkleman revealed the constant anxiety behind the scenes, writing, "Help, what if people don't want to watch it anymore?" She stressed that the team never took the audience for granted.
Meanwhile, former Strictly star Sara Davies, of Dragons' Den fame, has announced a new venture that takes her "way out of my comfort zone". She will be presenting a new ITV quiz show called "Time Is Money", which she describes as fast-paced and "unlike any other quiz".
The future of Strictly Come Dancing now hangs in the balance as the BBC contemplates whether a year of rest could be the key to its long-term survival and success.
