A former Strictly Come Dancing boss has defended the series amid its numerous scandals and ongoing backlash.
Moira Ross, a highly experienced executive producer and show runner, has worked on a number of major reality series such as The Voice UK as well as Dancing with the Stars and The Masked Singer in the US.
In 2010, she was responsible for relaunching Strictly on the BBC, reigniting the show’s popularity to its highest ever viewing figures and seeing it go on to become a multi-award winner.
However, speaking ahead of the release of her latest Apple TV project KPOPPED – a competition which pits music icons against K-pop idols – the producer has hit back against rumours that shows such as Strictly could be facing cancellation due to lower viewing figures.
In recent years, the BBC series has been plagued by a series of controversies, including when two former professionals, Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, were removed after behavioural accusations from former partners were revealed.
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Following that, Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans, 53, was sensationally dumped from the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour over inappropriate comments.
Most recently, police confirmed an investigation into Strictly after claims two of its stars used cocaine.
This came after a longtime worker said they were offered drugs by a star on the show.
But, asked what she made of claims that the show may not have a future, Moira vehemently argued: ‘I think they’re all coming from the same place.
‘They’re all coming from big hearted, wonderful entertainment, and we need that and we’re always going to be enjoying that.
‘Look how successful Glastonbury is, Strictly is still monumentally successful.
‘We love to be entertained, music’s a common language. I don’t think we’re ever going to get sick of huge, wonderful, aspirational entertainment shows. We just want more and more of them.’
Moira’s latest show KPOPPED sees the likes of the Spice Girls, Boy George, Kesha and Vanilla Ice reimagine their hit songs in collaboration with K-pop stars before they compete in battle performances judged by an audience in Seoul.
Starring PSY and Megan Thee Stallion, the eight-episode series sees two worlds – the East and West – combine.
Asked where the inspiration for the show came from, Moira said: ‘The idea was to explore a brand new sort of music genre, a music show that hasn’t been attempted before.
‘Something aspirational and celebrational, and something that takes us away from those traditional music shows that are quite wonderful, but it’s time for it’s for a new a new spin on things.’
Discussing her hope for viewers, she also added: ‘I would like people to find absolute joy in it.
‘I’d love them to want to know even more about K pop and take their next holidays in Korea. I’d love that. I’d think, “We’ve done something great here.”
‘But really, it’s just a proper celebration of cultural crossovers. And if we can enjoy that, then we’ve done our job.’
KPOPPED premieres exclusively on Apple TV Plus on Friday August 29.
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