IN, OUT, IN, OUT (shake it all about) | Strictly Come Dancing bosses plan show makeover

Strictly takes on the X Factor

Bosses' drastic plan to save Strictly

Dirtier Dancing

Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli says girls must be ruder to win.

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By Dan Wootton, 29/11/2009

BEEB bosses have devised a three-step plan to put Strictly Come Dancing back on a footing with X Factor.

Strictly is in need of a makeover after flopping in the ratings against ITV's talent show this series.

So take your partners viewers and get ready for...

FORWARD, 2, 3: Big name celebs will be booked as dancers and performers instead of this year's no-marks.

BACK, 2, 3: The judging panel will return to the old all-pro format after Alesha Dixon failed to shine as Arlene Phillips's replacement.

TO THE SIDELINES, 2, 3: A replacement for host Bruce Forsyth will be agreed and waiting in the wings in case he quits.

The revamp was ordered after the 2009 X Factor regularly drew TWO MILLION more viewers.

A BBC source admitted: "This has been the most boring Strictly series ever.

"Last year people were concerned that the viewers wouldn't come back unless we radically revamped the show.

"That didn't happen and Strictly has lost millions of viewers. Next year it will get a radical makeover. They want it more like the U.S. version, Dancing With The Stars, which is still going strong even after eight series."

A crack BBC team of producers will sex up the show and they have been immediately outlining what they see as the three major failings in this current lacklustre series.

And one of those failings is new judge, and former Strictly champ, Alesha.

Crazy

"Alesha was meant to be Strictly's Cheryl Cole," said the source. "But everyone quickly realised the job needs a dance expert. It was crazy watching her give advice to pro dancers." Ballerina Darcey Bussell, who is appearing as a guest judge on this series is tipped as a likely replacement.

Brucie, 81, will never be forced out, but bosses want a plan in place should he decide to go - with Graham Norton and Vernon Kay front- runners.

Our source said: "Brucie is getting older. If he did go we'd be looking at options. It could help revitalise the series."

The system of booking contestants is also under scrutiny.

The source said: "The dancers are now bigger names than the so-called celebs. Bosses want sexy stars, like in the days when Lisa Snowdon, Emma Bunton and Kelly Brook all strutted their stuff on the dancefloor.

"It's going to be a policy of A-list or no one."

Your comments

This article has 8 comments

The idea of Graham Norton and Vernon Kaye is ridiculous, what do either know about dancing? Alesha has gone through her paces on the show and can dance, the show will be turned into comedy. Lets at least replace them with people who can dance or know something about dancing. I would like it more if the viewers were not given a vote and it was judged as a proper dance contest.

By Dee Ketteridge.. Posted November 30 2009 at 2:26 PM.

Please make Bruce retire, it makes me cringe to watch the show now. I love the American version, its straight forward presenting and professional. It has definitely put me off the show, and it needs a new presenter.
There are lots of up and coming presenters out there, give them a chance.

By ann.. Posted November 29 2009 at 11:51 PM.

hey ho

By val.. Posted November 29 2009 at 8:05 PM.

Get rid of Bruce - why is it his decision when he leaves? Wogan's finally realised its time to give someone more current a chance, Bruce needs to be advised to take the same road to retirement. He drives me mad, I find it hard to watch 'cos he's so bottom clenchingly embarassing.

By ronapandy.. Posted November 29 2009 at 7:05 PM.

give anton the jobget rid of bruce he drives me mad.he waffles all the time. it is not his show, it is about the dancers, does he know that?

By CAT WOMAN.. Posted November 29 2009 at 12:23 PM.

Graham Norton will finish the show altogether he is total rubbish, give it to Anton.

By butt2uk.. Posted November 29 2009 at 11:53 AM.

Why Vernon Kaye? I wouldn't have him on any programme, he's not a very good presenter at all.

By Marie.. Posted November 29 2009 at 10:50 AM.

i agree-it has lost a little bit of its sparkle,and that seems down to the celebs they have on this year.

Last year, we couldnt wait to go and book tickets for the live show. but this year... i don`t know if we`re going.

sayin that tho,think it`s still miles better than the fake factor!

By jaycee2.. Posted November 29 2009 at 8:45 AM.

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