A former senior BBC executive has ignited a furious debate by suggesting the corporation should axe its flagship entertainment show, Strictly Come Dancing, for an entire year to salvage its reputation.
Call for a 'Fallow Year' Inspired by Glastonbury
Sam Hodges, who served as the BBC's communications chief for over a decade and helped launch the show over 20 years ago as an assistant publicist, has made the controversial proposal. He argues the glitterball contest should follow the example of the Glastonbury Festival, which takes a planned 'fallow year' every four years to allow the land to recover and demand for tickets to soar.
In a post on LinkedIn, Hodges wrote that after a difficult series, the show's reputation might best be served by "helping people realise what they’d miss, rather than chasing salvation by rushing into immediate contract talks with new producers, presenters, and cast." He suggested that a break in 2026 would "allow new energy to return" and protect the programme's legacy.
A Series Rocked by Scandals and High-Profile Exits
Hodges's comments come after a turbulent period for Strictly, which has been mired in serious controversies. The most recent series was rocked just ten days after the shock announcement in October 2025 that beloved hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were leaving. Prior to that, a star of the show was arrested on suspicion of rape in relation to an alleged 2024 incident.
The show has also faced intense scrutiny over bullying allegations. A high-profile probe into former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice was followed by the exit of fellow Italian pro Graziano Di Prima in June 2024 after revelations he kicked his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, during rehearsals.
Fan Backlash: 'It's More Than Just a Dancing Show'
Not everyone agrees with the call for a hiatus. Fans have passionately defended the programme on social media and under Hodges's post. One argued that Strictly remains "one of the few live TV shows that’s appointment to view" in an era of streaming, gathering millions of viewers weekly.
Another fan highlighted the show's emotional depth, citing Carlos's emotional journey and Karen's admission about missing teamwork as proof it is "more than just a dancing show." They described it as "warm, familiar TV and a chance to properly switch off once a week," a format still bringing people together in large numbers.
Despite the backlash, Hodges maintains his position, warning that in television, shows rarely end on a high note and often conclude with an exhausted final series or a damaging controversy. His radical solution aims to prevent such a fate for one of the BBC's most prized assets.
