Strictly saw a 1 million dip in ratings for its 2024 launch show compared to last year (Image: PA Media)Love Love Island? Our Factor 50 email brings all the goss direct to your inboxMore Newsletters SubscribePlease enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.More NewslettersWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More infoThank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow me See OurPrivacy Notice See OurPrivacy Notice×Group 28 Love Love Island? Our Factor 50 email brings all the goss direct to your inboxInvalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Sign UpNo thanks, closeWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info×Group 28Thank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow MeNo thanks, closeSee our
Privacy NoticeStrictly Come Dancing’s launch show for 2024 saw a dip in viewership, with nearly a million fewer tuning in compared to last year, as audience figures reveal. The BBC One dance extravaganza attracted an average of 5.5 million viewers on Saturday night amidst a swirl of controversy, based on overnight TV ratings. It is worth noting, however, that viewing figures have seen ups and downs over the years, and many fans now opt to watch via BBC iPlayer or catch-up services, which aren’t included in the initial data. Last year’s opening episode pulled in 6.2 million viewers, while the 2022 launch had an average of 5.4 million, and the pre-recorded 2021 launch show captivated seven million. This year’s launch peaked at 5.7 million viewers, a drop from the previous year’s peak of 6.7 million during the first episode of 2023.

Amy made a triumphant return with celeb partner, singer and presente JB Gill
(Image: PA Media)

Amidst the excitement of discovering the Strictly contestants’ professional partners, Welsh dancer Amy Dowden made a heartfelt comeback after her battle with breast cancer kept her out of the competition. The pre-recorded episode featured an emotional performance by Amy, who danced poignantly after her mastectomy and chemotherapy treatments led to a “no evidence of disease” status. The routine placed her at the heart of the show, culminating in her being lifted by fellow dancers. Amy also found herself paired up for the first time since dancing with EastEnders actor James Bye in 2022, having discovered a lump shortly before her honeymoon in 2023.

The pros were excited to be back for another series

For the first time since 2019, there were no same-sex couples on the show. A BBC spokesperson stated that “Strictly pairings have never been about ticking boxes”, and each season of the show is “unique and there is no hard and fast rule on the show regarding same-sex pairings”. The show made no mention of the accusations that have surfaced during its 20th anniversary year. The results of an investigation launched by the BBC following allegations made about Giovanni Pernice by 2023 Strictly participant Amanda Abbington are still pending.Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnEastEndersJLSLove IslandStrictly Come DancingThis MorningGiovanni PerniceGorka MarquezJB GillKatya JonesLaura WhitmoreNeil JonesNick KnowlesPete WicksShayne WardZara McdermottAljaz Skorjanec

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Last Update: October 19, 2024