Strictly Come Dancing producers face potential judging panel departures

Producers of the BBC program Strictly Come Dancing are reportedly concerned about the potential loss of its judging panel as current contracts approach renewal. While the show has recently undergone a significant refresh—including a new hosting trio and the departure of several professional dancers—the judging panel consisting of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke has remained a constant.

With contracts expiring, insiders suggest that judges may become ‘free agents’ if terms are not renegotiated. There is specific speculation regarding Shirley Ballas, who has been with the show for a decade, as a potential departure due to personal interests.

Separately, the show has faced criticism regarding its creative direction, specifically the increasing frequency of fancy-dress themed weeks, which some viewers feel distracts from the core focus of ballroom and Latin dance transformation.