Strictly Come Dancing 2026's new spin-off Lights Up divides fans as host Tyler West is branded 'rude'
The show is streamed live straight after the results have airedStrictly: Lights Up is Strictly Come Dancing’s brand new spin-off for 2026 – but not all fans are impressed with it.
The companion programme landed live on BBC iPlayer as soon as Sunday night’s Strictly Come Dancing: The Results had aired.
Hosted by Tyler West and Abi Clarke, the live stream was just 16 minutes long.
But unfortunately, the first episode very much received mixed reviews.
In fact, host Tyler has even been branded “rude” following his attempt to interview Strictly’s first casualties, Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden. Eek.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026’s Lights Up divides fans
The cameras for Strictly: Lights Up start rolling in the ballroom the second the credits of Strictly Come Dancing has ended.
Last night, the ‘big light’ was on, there were streamers littered all over the floor and everyone was still milling around.
Tyler and Abi opened the show with the contestants still stood behind them. They were all in a big group, hugging and saying their goodbyes to Chris and Amy.
It is Tyler and Abi’s jobs to act like roving reporters and grab the stars of the show for quick interviews.
In the first episode, Tyler was seen hovering around the group, attempting to speak to Chris. But he was busy having a moment with fellow competitor Lawrence Robb.
Lawrence could be heard telling Chris: “You should be so proud of yourself.”
Despite them still being embraced in a hug, Tyler awkwardly held a microphone out towards Chris and asked: “How are you feeling?”
Vito Coppola then appeared to speak to Chris, waiting his turn. Then Chris’ own mum walked over and gave her son a massive cuddle. Tyler again tried to interrupt the moment with his mic.
Over on Reddit, fans were quick to slam the format.
Tyler West branded ‘rude’ for Lights Up interview
Writing on the social forum, one admitted: “5 minutes in and I already hate Lights Up. Can’t say I agree with the premise at all.”
Another replied: “Agreed, it felt like the presenters were shoving themselves in where they weren’t needed or wanted, and I’m not really warming to either.”
A third also wrote: “I’ve opened iPlayer to have a look at their new Lights Up show. It seems to involve Tyler West trying to squeeze into the group hug while everyone’s crying and trying to comfort each other, and shoving a microphone in their faces.”
The chat continued: “Agreed, it feels quite rude to the cast? Completely unnecessary in my opinion :((.”
And someone else added: “The Lights Up segment is overkill… why are we trying to Traitorfy Strictly.”
‘So awesome’
However, not everyone felt the same. Over on X, formerly known as Twitter, some Strictly fans mainly had positive words to say.
One gushed: “Omg I LOVE #Strictly lights up spin off show!!! It PROPERLY shows behind the scenes of the show and that is EXACTLY what it’s like after the show.
“I remember when I saw the show live it was just chaos with everyone on the dance floor after the show ends.”
Another viewer chimed in: “I really like this lights up show, ugh it’s so awesome, I wish this had been here before.”
Agreeing, a happy fan wrote: “A good thing about this Lights Up show is that the judges have to explain their dance off decisions. Something we never got in previous seasons, so that’s a positive.”
TVGuide has contacted the BBC for comment.
Have you seen it? What did you think?
