“Strictly Come Dancing,” commonly known as “Strictly,” is a British television dance competition that has captivated audiences since its debut in 2004. Airing on BBC One, the show pairs celebrities with professional dancers to compete in a variety of ballroom and Latin dances. These couples perform live each week, are judged by a panel and voted on by the public, and determine who continues in the competition and who is eliminated.
What sets “Strictly” apart is its combination of high-stakes competition and heartwarming personal stories. The show has everything from the nervous initial performances of celebrities to the delicate moves of professionals, blending drama, comedy, romance and dance. While the glittering costumes and intricate choreography are captivating, it’s the contestants’ personal journeys that really draw viewers in.
Over the years, “Strictly Come Dancing” has grown into a cultural phenomenon. The show features a wide range of celebrities—from actors and musicians to athletes and television hosts—each adding their own unique touch to the dance floor. In addition to being entertaining, the show often sparks national discussion for its performances, judges’ scores, and dramatic dance competitions.
The chemistry between dance partners, the thrill of achieving perfect scores, and the drama of surprise eliminations make “Strictly” a weekly show that keeps viewers excited and looking forward to together.
The 2023 season of “Strictly Come Dancing” is set to be an exciting ride, with fans eagerly tuning in each week to see spectacular dance performances and unexpected changes to the celebrity lineup. Here’s a rundown of the departures and the reasons behind them:
- Nigel Harman was one of the early exits, not due to a public vote or a judge’s decision, but due to injury. The former ‘Casualty’ and ‘EastEnders’ actor was forced to leave, leaving fans disappointed but sympathetic, given the physical demands of the show.
- Amanda Abbington also withdrew from the competition, leaving many shocked. A statement confirmed her departure, leaving her partner Giovanni Pernice without a partner. The departure was particularly notable for its emotional impact, as Abbington had quickly become a crowd favourite.
- The show sees multiple elimination rounds through the traditional dance competition, where the judges will make the final decision:
- Annabel Croft was the 10th celebrity to leave the competition, facing off against Bobby Brazier in what was described as a very tense dance competition. Despite a commendable performance, the judges’ decision went in Bobby’s favour, marking Annabel’s exit from the competition.
- Angela Rippon also faced the dance competition, but her departure was met with mixed reactions from fans; some believed her elimination was due to her history with the show, which aimed for a more dramatic storyline rather than solely based on dance performance.
- In addition to the competition, there is also important news off stage:
- Beloved professional dancer Giovanni Pernice has reportedly decided not to return to “Strictly Come Dancing” for the next season, instead focusing on other television projects. Given his long-standing relationship with the show, the announcement came as a surprise to many.
- Social media platforms were abuzz with reactions:
- Fans have expressed their disappointment at some of the eliminations, with some feeling that the decision was sometimes based solely on the quality of the choreography, but perhaps more on storyline or popularity. Angela Rippon’s elimination, for example, was highly controversial, with some accusing the judges of keeping her in the Blackpool week because of her connection to the show’s history.
- Many mourned Amanda Abbington’s passing, with posts pouring in love and support for her and Giovanni, highlighting the emotional connection viewers form with the contestants.
The 2023 season of Strictly Come Dancing is all about the dancing and the stories behind the dancers. Each departure, whether due to injury, withdrawal or elimination, adds a layer of drama and human interest that keeps viewers on their toes, proving why the show remains a staple of British television.
