Strictly faces crisis meeting as ratings dip and hosts face criticism
Jaime Winstone is sidelined by a torn abdominal muscle as Strictly Come Dancing faces a mid-series crisis meeting.
The Strictly Come Dancing stage felt a little quieter on Saturday night, with hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe sending heartfelt well-wishes to Jaime Winstone. The Daily Mail reported that the actress, 41, was forced to miss the live show after doctors advised complete rest due to a torn abdominal muscle [1].
Jaime and her professional partner Carlos Gu have been granted a bye through to next week, allowing them to recover and potentially return for week eight. The actress issued a statement expressing that she was "absolutely devastated" and in considerable pain, prioritising her health over her magical journey on the dance floor [2].
This absence arrives during a turbulent period for the BBC One favourite. The show has faced scrutiny since the new hosting trio replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. While Emma Willis has been praised, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have drawn criticism for timing missteps and fluffing lines, according to the Daily Mail [1].
Amid tumbling ratings, insiders told the Mail on Sunday that senior producers are "bereft" at the reception, describing the current state as a "Premier League product" operating at a "League One standard" [2]. BBC bosses are set to hold a crisis meeting to overhaul the format for next year, though it is too late for the current series.
Despite the drama, the remaining stars delivered high-energy performances. Will Best and Dianne Buswell opened week seven with a Quickstep, scoring 29 points despite a wardrobe issue involving fallen pearls. Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola wowed the judges with a Rumba, earning 30 points for a display of flexibility that Craig Revel Horwood called "gaw-jus" [2].
Fan favourites Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington also impressed, scoring 31 points with their Cha Cha. As the 24th series reaches its halfway point, all eyes remain on whether Jaime can heal in time to rejoin the competition. The results show will include a special Remembrance Sunday tribute from the Professionals [1].
Sources
This article is based on reporting by the outlets below.
- Daily Mail Showbiz: Strictly judges address Jaime Winstone's absence as actress misses show due to injury - after landing in three dance offs
- Daily Mail: Strictly judges address Jaime Winstone's absence as actress misses show due to injury - after landing in three dance-offs
- Daily Star: Why is Jaime Winstone not on Strictly tonight?
