Senior executives at the BBC are reportedly considering a major relocation for the corporation's flagship entertainment show, Strictly Come Dancing. The proposed move would see the programme shift from its long-time home at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire to the Dock 10 studios at MediaCityUK in Salford, Greater Manchester.
A Strategic Shift to Leave Scandals Behind
According to sources, the radical idea is being seriously contemplated by Kate Phillips, the BBC's Chief Content Officer, as a means to engineer a complete reset for the show. The belief is that a physical move north would symbolise a clean break from a tumultuous period that has seen the programme embroiled in multiple controversies.
The last two years have been particularly damaging. In 2024, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima was dismissed following allegations he kicked his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott – a claim he denies. That same series, actress Amanda Abbington withdrew and later accused her pro partner, Giovanni Pernice, of bullying during training, leading to an investigation and his subsequent departure from the show.
Further serious incidents have included the arrest of two Strictly stars on suspicion of rape in separate cases, and the scandal involving opera singer Wynne Evans, who was filmed making an inappropriate sexual comment at a tour launch. Evans later stated the fallout led him to attempt suicide.
New Location, New Era
The proposed relocation is seen as the cornerstone of a wider overhaul. It is believed that long-standing executive producer Sarah James is overseeing her final series, with a new boss expected to take the helm. Furthermore, the show's iconic presenting duo, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, confirmed in September they are stepping down after this Saturday's final.
A source suggested the move would facilitate a significant refresh of personnel, stating: 'This would be a win win all round. Dock 10 would offer a much better deal for the studio and there would be a cull both front and back of house.' Many of the current Elstree-based crew are not expected to make the move, though Dock 10 already employs staff with experience from the show's previous home.
The shift is also viewed as having clear political appeal as the BBC prepares for licence fee negotiations in 2027. With Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy being a Mancunian, relocating a major prime-time show to the north would be a substantial gesture towards the corporation's regionalisation strategy.
Logistical and Creative Implications
From a practical standpoint, the Dock 10 complex is already a hub for BBC production, housing shows like BBC Breakfast, The 1% Club, and Match of the Day. Its largest studio, HQ1, at 12,540 square feet, is slightly smaller than Strictly's current Elstree stage but can still accommodate an audience of up to 1,000. The modern facility is said to boast superior, purpose-built dressing rooms, addressing inadequacies of the older Elstree setup.
Production insiders in Manchester also highlight creative opportunities, suggesting a northern base would make it easier to attract stars from popular soaps like Coronation Street and Emmerdale, as well as footballers from clubs in Liverpool and Manchester.
While a BBC spokesman did not deny executives were mulling the idea, they stated there are 'no plans' currently in place to move the show. Any final decision would be made by Kate Phillips and could involve input from the next Director-General, following Tim Davie's resignation last month.
As the glitterball is awarded this weekend, the future of Strictly appears poised for its most dramatic transformation yet, potentially trading the home counties for the heart of MediaCityUK in a bid to reclaim its sparkling reputation.
