Strictly statement released as BBC hits back over drop in ratings for the first live show
The BBC have spokenStrictly Come Dancing and the BBC have responded after its first live show of 2026 drew fewer overnight viewers than the launch. The Saturday episode averaged 4.8 million viewers against 6.2 million one week earlier. The gap between those reported averages was 1.4 million.
However, the BBC stressed that overnight figures cannot account for everyone who watches later through iPlayer. The fall followed the new-look Strictly launch, featuring Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.
Saturday’s live broadcast gave the revamped team its first chance to handle the competition in real time. Some viewers were unconvinced by the trio’s positioning during the programme.
BBC points to Strictly’s iPlayer audience
In a statement issued to Digital Spy, a Strictly spokesperson said initial broadcast figures did not show the whole audience.
“Strictly was the most watched programme of the night, with a peak of 5 million viewers. As ever, overnight ratings do not give the full picture of all those who watch in an on-demand world.”
The peak put Strictly ahead of every other programme shown that night. It also sat slightly above the episode’s average audience of 4.8 million.
After transmission, Saturday’s edition reached the top of iPlayer’s most-popular chart. It later moved to third place as other programmes climbed above it.
Those programmes were an early-release EastEnders episode and the latest instalment of The Split Up. The latter is a new spin-off drama.
The overnight comparison still produced a rare reversal for the BBC ballroom competition. It was the first time since 2019 that Strictly’s launch outrated week one in the initial figures.
England match gave Strictly major Saturday competition
Strictly also faced significant competition during its first live broadcast. ITV1 carried the UEFA Nations League match between England and Spain during the same period.
That scheduling clash may have contributed to the lower audience.
Even so, the BBC’s statement focused on Strictly’s lead across the night. It also placed clear importance on the programme’s on-demand reach.
Ratings were not the only talking point after Saturday’s show. Emma, Josh and Johannes presented their first live edition together.
Fans questioned where the trio had been positioned, while sound clarity became another concern. The reaction suggested that parts of the new presenting arrangement were still settling.
What happens next on Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday and Sunday nights on BBC One and iPlayer. Its companion programme, It Takes Two, continues on weekday evenings on BBC Two and iPlayer.
The next live outing will give the presenting trio another chance to settle into the format. It will also offer a clearer picture of whether the overnight audience stabilises.
For now, the BBC maintains that 4.8 million does not represent Strictly’s complete audience. Its catch-up performance will form an important part of the wider ratings picture.
Strictly continues on Saturday, October 3 from 6.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
