Is it time to cancel Strictly?

The BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing returned this weekend, but rather than being met with the usual fanfare there is a growing feeling that the glitter ball may have been irreparably tarnished. Some former contestants have alleged that they were subject to bullying by their professional partners and – having already used almost 300 contestants in its now 20 year history – many think that the producers have been scraping the bottom of the celebrity barrel in recent years. Such criticisms have led to speculation that it might be time to cancel the show.

There are signs of life, however. This year there has clearly been an attempt to secure some genuine celebrities amongst the fifteen hopefuls. I’d even heard of a few, including Toyah Wilcox, Paul Merson and Nick Knowles. But the usual diverse collection of actors, athletes and comedians still includes contestants who came to fame through other reality shows such as the X Factor, The Only Way is Essex and Love Island.