Motsi Mabuse admits BBC Strictly will ‘adapt’ in future after year of changes for show
Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse is already looking forward to the future of the BBC series and claimed that it will adapt in future as more celebrities sign up to take part.
After the 2024 competition came to an end with Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell lifting the Glitterball Trophy, many fans have claimed they will be lost without the show every weekend.
However, loyal fans won’t have to wait long to see their favourites back on their screens as this Saturday the judges, professionals and former stars will look back over the last 20 years of the show.
Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years is a celebration of two decades of Strictly, the iconic dance competition that has captured the hearts of millions since its debut in 2004.
Viewers will be treated to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with past contestants, judges, and production teams, looking at the unforgettable moments that have made Strictly a beloved series.
The celebratory programme reflects on how the show has transformed into a global phenomenon while maintaining its core charm and appeal.
One person who remains optimistic about the future of the show and how it will change within the coming years is judge Mabuse.
The South African dancer joined the show as a judge back in 2019 after replacing Darcey Bussell and has been a favourite ever since.
Speaking about what she thinks the next 20 years will look like for the show, she explained: “The next twenty years for Strictly will be just as magical, if not more so.
“The show will continue to evolve and adapt, bringing in new elements, new faces, and new dances, while still holding onto the traditions that make it so beloved.
“I believe the heart and soul of Strictly will always be there, and that’s what will keep it thriving for many years to come.”
Mabuse’s optimism comes after the show was embroiled in a “bullying” investigation earlier this year.
Former professional Giovanni Pernice was accused of “abuse and bullying” by his 2023 partner Amanda Abbington – with the Sherlock star claiming she had suffered PTSD from their time together.
After a lengthy investigation from the BBC, six of the 17 complaints Abbington made about her time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023 were upheld.
The upheld complaints related to verbal bullying and harassment, but the most serious allegations of physical aggression were not upheld.
The BBC apologised to Abbington for the online abuse she faced and for the complaints that were upheld – also thanking Abbington for coming forward and taking part in the review process.
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Graziano Di Prima was also axed from the show after he admitted to kicking his 2023 partner Zara McDermott during their training sessions.
Many were sceptical that the show could recover from such allegations, but due to McCausland’s win, it could have saved the show and the BBC.
According to the former editor-in-chief of New! and Star magazine Lebby Eyres, she told GB News: “It has been a really difficult year, even the beginning of this series was a little bit difficult for them.
“But now this is a moment that no one will ever forget. Everyone that was involved said it was the best final ever, and I agree it was truly emotional and really a deserving winner.”