Hit hard with a fresh blow as the show’s first live ratings plunge to their LOWEST in history following scandals

STRICTLY bosses are concerned after viewership for the first live episode of the series was the lowest since it began.

The match was watched by 6.7 million fans on Saturday, down from 7.3 million last year and a peak of 10.2 million in 2020.

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The blow comes after poor viewing figures — down a million on the year — when the celebrity couples were revealed on last week’s inaugural show.

According to a TV insider: “Bosses were already concerned enough about the pre-recorded launch show.

“However, the fact that the first live show also saw a drop will be a cause for concern for them – especially if the drop continues into next week, when the first elimination show takes place.

“They are now eagerly awaiting to see whether the decline in evening viewing figures will be offset by an increase in the number of fans watching Strictly on iPlayer, but that data takes days and weeks to gather.

“These live numbers are really important for the BBC because Strictly is still seen as one of the few shows that provides a communal television experience where people come together to watch a programme at a set time.”

Strictly has been hit by a number of issues in recent times, including alleged backstage misconduct by professionals Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima.

Meanwhile, on Saturday’s show, Love Island star Tasha Ghouri dazzled on the dance floor with professional partner Aljaz Skorjanec – finishing tied for second with actress Miranda Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola.

Placing the ledges

JLS star JB Gill topped the leaderboard with 30 points with partner Amy Dowden, who returns to the show after breast cancer treatment.

Third place with 26 points was shared by Go Compare ad singer Wynne Evans and Katya Jones, as well as Montell Douglas – known as Gladiators’ Fire – with professional partner Johannes Radebe.

Another outstanding performance was by blind comedian Chris McCausland, whose act with Diane Buswell received 23 points.

Bookmakers Ladbrokes have slashed his odds to 7/2 from 14/1 last week.

One fan wrote on X/Twitter: “I sincerely hope this doesn’t come across as patronizing, but I cried throughout Chris McCausland’s entire performance.

I know judges have to be as objective as possible, but what we just saw Chris McCausland do was just incredible.

Just a fan

“He had never seen any of the dancing or colours of Strictly but he brought so much joy and spirit and for me that’s what it’s all about.”

Another user agreed: “I know judges have to be as objective as possible, but what we just saw Chris McCausland do was just incredible.”

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A third predicted that Chris and Diane would lift the Glitterball trophy, adding: “Chris McCausland is a national treasure in waiting.”

Meanwhile, host Claudia Winkleman also garnered a lot of criticism for wearing a long dress, which led viewers to compare her to Princess Leia from Star Wars.

One user joked online: “All she’s missing are the Chelsea buns on the side of her head.”

Last night the BBC said Strictly was still the most watched TV programme on Saturday night.

The spokesman added: “Overnight recordings no longer provide an accurate picture of everyone watching in the on-demand world.”

The BBC recently reported that the number of people using the catch-up service is increasing by 11 per cent a year.

An Ofcom report this year found that the number of young people watching TV traditionally had fallen from 76 per cent to 48 per cent over the past six years.

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