BBC Strictly Come Dancing axes show after questions about Joe Sugg's role

Strictly Come Dancing has been hit with a huge change after the BBC quietly axed one of the hit show's spin-offs - and it left fans fuming as they questioned the reason why

Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed the cancellation of one of its spin-off shows after recent speculations about its absence. The beloved dance competition returned to television last month, with the on-screen contest intensifying as the pool of dancing duos narrows.

Yet, viewers seem to be up in arms over a significant change—a missing fan favourite—that's been silently dropped. Strictly Come Dancing: The Official Podcast, a hit since its 2018 debut, featured that year's finalist Joe Sugg alongside producer Kim Winston, delivering backstage insight and all the exclusive gossip directly to listeners' ears.

However, followers were left scratching their heads when the podcast failed to appear on BBC Sounds for the series of 2024, as reported by OK! Magazine. Confusion arose within the fan community, as showcased by one fan's social media post: "Has anyone found the Strictly podcast this year? Can't find it on Sounds."

As the question lingered without a concrete response, others chimed in echoing similar sentiments, reports the Manchester Evening News.

While someone clarified, "There isn't one this year," another recommended an alternative: "Strictly Speaking is an unofficial podcast if you want to listen to that."

With no official podcast in sight, fans are also beginning to ponder what this means for the renowned host, Joe. A listener compared the unofficial podcast unfavourably to the official one, reminiscing: "Not a patch on Joe Sugg."

Another lamented the absence of behind-the-scenes interviews that made the podcast under Joe Sugg and Kim the preferred choice.

A BBC spokesperson confirmed the cancellation of the Strictly Come Dancing: The Official Podcast to OK, stating: "In early 2024, we made the decision to end Strictly Come Dancing: The Official Podcast. We're very proud of the last six series and grateful to Joe Sugg, Kim Winston and all the team involved who made it a success. Fans of Strictly can still tune in to Off the Telly, our weekly TV podcast."

The show will be hosted by superfan Joanna Page and former contestant Natalie Cassidy, who will share their thoughts on the dance floor action, along with telly recommendations and weekly observations from their households and Off The Telly listeners. This news follows sightings of Joe in the ballroom, supporting his girlfriend Dianne Buswell, who is currently competing in Strictly's 20th-anniversary series alongside comedian Chris McCausland.

After impressing with their Movie Week jive to the Wayne's World theme, former YouTuber Joe shared a selfie with Dianne, whom he started dating after they reached the final of Strictly's 2018 series, and Chris, captioning it: "On Saturday I went to watch movie week on Strictly. What a show it was.

"Movie Week usually reminds me of High School Musical (still don't think I've ever watched it) and Craig telling me my bottom was sticking out during the whole performance.. but I think from now on it will remind me of how proud and impressed I was to witness that performance. @diannebuswell @chrismccauslandcomedy, That was something special. Well done."

However, this led to Joe being questioned by fans about the official Strictly podcast he used to host. @emloukelly asked: "It was so good! Joe - where is the podcast? ! ! " @eddo_official commented: "Wish the podcast was here this year but it was SO lovely to see your face in the audience on my telly last night! " @dheeley queried: "Do you not do the podcast now, Joe? ! " @joannamargaretkay wrote: "Missing the podcast."

@callydunne5 replied: "They were amazing. Really missing the Strictly Podcast this year."

@wedydorithy added: "Miss your podcast on Sunday evening."