Ore Oduba claims original BBC Strictly ‘wouldn’t be made today’ as former winner slams modern-day TV
Strictly Come Dancing’s 20th series is concluding this weekend, bringing to an end another whirlwind stint of the glamour-filled favourite.
The BBC competition consistently reels in audiences in the run-up to the festive season, and while the show’s about to crown its new winning couple, one past champion has argued the programme “wouldn’t be made today”.
Ore Oduba knows only too well the glitz, glamour and hard work that comes with taking part in the series, which has graced screens for two decades.
The TV presenter went on to lift the Glitterball Trophy back in 2016 alongside Joanne Clifton after weeks of impressing the judges and entertaining fans.
Despite the ongoing love for the show, Oduba, 39, has explained why he doesn’t think Strictly would make it to screens in today’s world as a new competition.
Speaking exclusively to GB News via SlotsCalendar, the musical theatre star argued the nation should feel “lucky” to be able to watch a show with so much investment put into it.
Strictly made its colourful debut to screens back in 2004, and as Oduba contemplated the show’s long run, he explained: “I would love for it to continue indefinitely.”
However, he is doubtful about modern audiences as he reflected: “But in the landscape of telly it is not that straightforward these days.
“And it’s definitely not what it was 20 years ago, and Strictly would not be getting made today.”
He continued: “And when you put it like that, people understand how lucky we are to have a show that is as expensive, let’s be honest, but also as polished and as expert, and has all the bells, whistles, sequins or sparkle they could throw at that show.
“And when you remind people this show would not get made today, in today’s TV landscape, I just hope people appreciate it, what we’ve got, and all the years that it’s given us,” he went on.
The former winner added: “And I hope that it’s given the chance, you know, to evolve, and that might mean viewership fluctuates, but I think what it has is an essence like no other.”
In a similar vein, Oduba touched on criticisms made towards the only judge who has starred in the show since the very beginning, Craig Revel Horwood.
Revel Horwood, 59, admitted this year he’s been forced to dial down his once-harsh approach to judging thanks to fears of being cancelled.
Many were quick to slam the dancer for his new tactic, but Oduba put it down to the constant evolution that comes with such a long-running show.
“He can’t win! Too mean, too nice,” he argued.
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Noting how long the show has been running, the TV presenter observed: “We love to put people in boxes – you’re the bad guy, the one we love to hate – and he loves to play that character.
“I mean, he is in panto right now I’m sure doing exactly that actually. He is one of the sweetest hearts that you’ll meet, and a very talented man and director.
“So, no, after 20 years, I think people are going to evolve.”
This weekend will see the 22nd winning couple announced with the final live show on Saturday night, in what will undoubtedly be a tense finale.