If you only tuned in to the final 15 minutes of Saturday night’s Strictly Come Dancing, you’d be forgiven for thinking the BBC had accidentally aired a somewhat chaotic dress rehearsal. But no – the frenzied challenge going out live was a new addition to this year’s series. And it was one that I hope stays for good.
Across its 23 series, Strictly bosses have mixed things up, but they’ve never dared to attempt anything on this scale. In a handful of previous years, celebrities and their professional partners have competed in “Dance-a-Thons”, which have involved all remaining couples taking to the floor at the same time, performing the same style. These have had varying success, which is probably why the Dance-a-Thon has never become a regular feature.
