Strictly Come Dancing Star Calls for BBC to Pause Show for a Year
A former Strictly Come Dancing professional has made a bold suggestion to the BBC, urging the broadcaster to take the beloved dance competition off air for a year to allow for a strategic rethink. Kristina Rihanoff, who joined the show over fifteen years ago, believes this break could help the series "go back to basics" and rediscover its original focus on pure ballroom and Latin dancing.
Major Changes and a Call for Reflection
The show is currently undergoing significant transformations, with hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announcing their shock departure and several long-standing professional dancers reportedly being axed. Despite these upheavals, Strictly Come Dancing continues to attract large audiences after more than two decades on air. However, Rihanoff, 48, shared her insights with The Independent, stating, "If I were a producer, I would give it a rest for a year, regroup and think about what we can do differently."
She emphasized the importance of returning to the show's roots, explaining, "There's something to say about going back to basics and back to its roots – the roots of the show were pure ballroom and Latin dancing without the razzmatazz of 101 props and 3D projections." Rihanoff recalled her early days on the show in 2008, when it centered on minimal props, live group dances, and professionals choreographing routines that required celebrities to learn proper ballroom and Latin techniques. "It would not do any harm to go back to the good old-fashioned [ways]," she added.
Kristina Rihanoff's Journey and Insights
Rihanoff joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2008, partnering with John Sergeant, who became a fan favorite despite low judge scores. She remained on the show for seven more seasons, dancing with notable figures such as actor Jason Donovan, singer Simon Webbe, and rugby star Ben Cohen, with whom she later had a child. Her final appearance was in 2015 with TV host Daniel O'Donnell, where they were eliminated early in the competition.
Amid reports of a "bloodbath" at Strictly HQ, with many professional dancers facing uncertainty, Rihanoff noted that this is not a new situation. She explained that professionals are typically contracted for only 12 months, leading to anxiety during renewal periods. "You never know who is in jeopardy or if they're going to renew your contract. It's not a very nice feeling and obviously, on a lot of dancers, it has a big mental health effect," she said.
BBC's Response and Future Plans
A BBC spokesperson responded to the suggestions, telling Metro that "plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course." The broadcaster has not provided further details on potential changes or a hiatus, leaving fans and industry observers to speculate on the show's direction. As Strictly Come Dancing navigates these transitions, Rihanoff's call for a pause highlights ongoing debates about balancing innovation with tradition in long-running TV formats.
