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Strictly Shake-Up: Pro Dancers Axed Over TikTok Followers
18 Apr
Summary
- Strictly bosses reportedly cut dancers based on TikTok follower counts.
- Karen Hauer, longest-serving female pro, was axed after 9,000 followers.
- Several professional dancers and 'It Takes Two' hosts were dropped.
Strictly Come Dancing is undergoing a major professional dancer overhaul, leading to the departure of several key figures. Jeremy Vine expressed his disappointment, stating he was "gutted" for his former dance partner Karen Hauer, who was axed from the show. Hauer, who held the title of Strictly's longest-serving female dancer, was reportedly let go despite her significant history with the program.
Sources indicate that the BBC's decision-making process for this cull heavily involved the online presence of the professional dancers, particularly their TikTok follower counts. This strategy is believed to be an attempt to appeal to a younger demographic. For instance, Hauer, with 9,000 followers, was cut, while another dancer with a substantially larger following remained.
This wave of departures is not limited to the main show's dancers. Reports also suggest significant changes are coming to the spin-off series, 'It Takes Two,' with hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara also reportedly axed as part of a broader revamp. These decisions come amidst a period of controversy for the franchise, with bosses aiming for a fresh start by September.
