Strictly fans defend BBC show as they make desperate plea over axe fears

Strictly Come Dancing fans have furiously defended the BBC show amid calls for it to be axed. The series has been wrapped up in a number of scandals ahead of its latest series, with the BBC reportedly calling in police to investigate claims of cocaine use among the cast.

Bosses are said to have contacted the Metropolitan Police after launching an inquiry into claims that two of its stars had used cocaine. "It’s a significant new development in the BBC’s recent string of crises that they have now got the police involved in investigating allegations surrounding Strictly," a source said.

It comes after the series also faced backlash over its 2025 line-up, with some criticising the level of celebrities who've been confirmed for the show, branding it "underwhelming".

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing star pulls out of show as he makes career announcement

READ MORE: Strictly's Anton Du Beke shared heartbreak over wife's 'cruel and inexplicable' diagnosis

However, many fans are fiercely defending the show after some have called for Strictly to be axed after 21 years on our screens. After Channel 5's Jeremy VineShow debated whether it was time for the show to end, many took to X to advocate for Strictly.

"No! I love Strictly and look forward to it. Only good thing about Autumn," one fan wrote. Another said: "Don’t be ridiculous it’s a great show !!"

A third wrote: "No. It’s one of the best shows on tv and just because something gets mentioned in a paper. Doesn’t make it true." While a fourth said: "You seriously can’t blame the show, which is hugely popular for some of the douche bags that manage to get on it. If you go around every tv show or work place, you’re going to find wrong uns! Ridiculous hysteria."

Meanwhile on Reddit, some fans were vocal about their support for this year's line-up - which includes Love Island's Dani Dyer, TikTok star George Clarke and ITV's Ross King.

"Everyone complaining about this line up, but I’m absolutely buzzing about George Clarke is who I’m most excited about," one fan said. "People complain when they hear social media person who he is a genuinely funny guy I think everyone will grow to love him."

Another replied: "I'd literally never heard of Joe Sugg when he was on and he ended up being one of my favourite that year. So I'm open to whoever turns out to be fun to watch."

Last week, Strictly Come Dancing's start date was officially confirmed - with the BBC show set to kick off in just a few weeks.

Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram, Twitter , Facebook , and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage.