A senior former BBC executive has reignited debate over the future of Strictly Come Dancing, arguing that a one-year hiatus could be the only way to save the long-running show from reputational decline.
For more than 20 years, Strictly Come Dancing has been one of British television’s most successful entertainment formats. But after a turbulent year marked by controversy, leadership exits, and public scrutiny, a former BBC insider believes the ballroom staple may need to step back before lasting damage is done.
A Former BBC Insider Sparks Fresh Debate
The comments come from Sam Hodges, a former BBC communications chief who worked at the corporation for more than a decade and was involved with Strictly during its early years.
Writing on LinkedIn, Hodges suggested the BBC should seriously consider pausing the show in 2026, describing it as a necessary move to “allow new energy to return” and protect the programme’s long-term reputation.
“It’s more than 20 years since I launched Strictly Come Dancing as an assistant publicist at the BBC,” he wrote. “For the first time, though, I think it’s time to consider a fallow year.”
Why a Hiatus Could Strengthen Strictly
Hodges compared Strictly’s situation to Glastonbury Festival, which is taking a planned fallow year in 2026 before returning in 2027. The festival traditionally uses these breaks to refresh both the event and public demand.
According to Hodges, a similar strategy could benefit Strictly.
“Reputationally, its biggest boost might come from helping people realise what they’d miss,” he argued, rather than rushing into new contracts with producers, presenters, or cast members in an attempt to quickly steady the ship.
A Difficult Year for the Ballroom Show
The suggestion follows a particularly unsettled period for the BBC programme. In October, long-time co-hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure from the show, marking the end of an era for Strictly viewers.
Their exit came shortly after one of the show’s stars was arrested on suspicion of rape in connection with an alleged incident dating back to 2024. The individual cannot be named for legal reasons, but the case intensified scrutiny around the programme and its safeguarding culture.
Concerns Over How Long-Running TV Shows End
Hodges also warned that many long-running television programmes struggle to end well.
“Things rarely finish on a high in TV,” he wrote. “More often it’s an exhausted final series or a controversy that brings things to a sudden or crashing end.”
He argued that a planned break could prevent Strictly from drifting toward that fate, giving the BBC space to reassess the format, leadership, and direction of one of its flagship entertainment brands.
Remembering Strictly’s Humble Beginnings
Reflecting on the show’s origins, Hodges recalled that Strictly was never expected to become a cultural juggernaut.
“It was a non-priority new show with the working title Pro-Celebrity Come Dancing,” he wrote. “No one knew the hit it would become.”
That success, he suggested, is precisely why the BBC should act cautiously now. Allowing the show to rest could increase anticipation, rebuild trust, and protect its legacy rather than risk further erosion through rushed decisions.
What Happens Next for Strictly?
The BBC has not announced any plans to pause Strictly Come Dancing, and the programme remains one of its most-watched entertainment formats. However, Hodges’s comments have reopened a wider conversation about how the corporation should handle long-running shows facing reputational pressure.
Whether the BBC chooses to press ahead with a 2026 series or consider an unprecedented break, the debate highlights a growing concern: preserving Strictly’s future may require restraint, not reinvention at speed.
As viewers, critics, and insiders continue to weigh in, the question remains whether stepping away for a year could ultimately help Britain’s most famous ballroom dance show return stronger than ever.
