Strictly 2025 might be the most cursed series of the show yet

We know and love Strictly Come Dancing for its fiery Argentine tangos and impassioned paso dobles, but lately there’s been more drama off the dancefloor than on – and this year’s celebrities have only just had their spray tans.

When Strictly first aired in 2004, it was nothing more than lavish ballroom numbers, endearing jokes from the late Sir Bruce Forsyth and sarcastic quips from resident Mr. Nasty, Craig Revel Horwood.

However, in recent years, the beloved BBC entertainment show has had its public image somewhat tarnished, as scandals have ripped through the heart of the Saturday night institution and diverted attention away from the ballroom and onto the front pages.

Sadly, the 2025 series is no exception, as Strictly has continued making headlines for all the wrong reasons, with Dani Dyer announcing her withdrawal yesterday. 

I might even argue it’s the most cursed series to date.

The pressure was on leading up to series 23 to polish up Strictly’s once-glittering reputation after alleged bullying scandals involving Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, the axing of Wynne Evans for his inappropriate comments, and the discovery of Jamie Borthwick’s ableist remarks.

There really was no room for error in 2025 – the BBC couldn’t afford it.

So, for the most part, they signed up unproblematic, family-friendly contestants this time around, from wholesome TV personality Vicky Pattison to bubbly, trailblazing model Ellie Goldstein.

Alas, all the innocent excitement faded when Thomas Skinner’s name was revealed. The former Apprentice candidate’s casting abruptly flung Strictly off its already shaky pedestal into a descent to the very pits of reality casting.

The cheery, PG-rated show was suddenly lumped in with the likes of I’m A Celebrity and Big Brother, shows that have been accused of deliberately casting divisive personalities to enhance media coverage, spark debate and provoke fellow stars for ratings.

Skinner quickly brought down the tone, his right-leaning political tweets and boastful comments about receiving a ‘five-figure salary’ for the show dominating conversation.

The media personality continued receiving attention when he grabbed a journalist’s phone and stormed out of a press day as she tried to record him, and further riled up viewers by confessing to cheating on his wife shortly after their wedding.

If Strictly wasn’t ill-fated before, it certainly was now, as Skinner, who has been paired with fan-favourite pro Amy Dowden, had people itching to switch off before the launch show had even aired.

But the dramas didn’t cease with him, as other contestants have found themselves at the centre of disaster this series.

Strictly announced over summer that Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn would be taking part.

Known best for his portrayal of Hodor, the Northern Irish TV star was to inevitably bring fresh eyes to Strictly, and potentially even revolutionary performances after fans speculated that, as the tallest ever contestant and a proud gay man, he would be given a same-sex partner. 

But now, we’ll never know what could’ve been.

Devastatingly, Nairn had to withdraw on medical grounds, forcing bosses to find a replacement at the very last minute as they speed-dialled Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope.

So with one contestant already out before he was ever really in and another bringing the show into disrepute every time he opened his mouth, Strictly 2025 was off to a bad start.

Don’t worry, though – it got worse.

Days after the launch, Dani Dyer announced that she, too, had to pull out, having fractured her ankle while in rehearsals.

The Love Island winner was admittedly ‘heartbroken’, as the injury left her with no choice but to rest up to avoid risking further damage.

Not only was this a blow to Dani, who previously said getting the Strictly gig was the most amazing thing she’d done but it was also a knock to viewers who had high hopes for her and saw great potential after she appeared confident in last week’s group performance.

She no longer had the Glitter Ball within her reach and undoubtedly sent execs into panic mode as they asked: What do we do now?

Whether Dani’s slot will be filled at such short notice, the first proper live show just three days away, remains to be seen. 

But one thing’s for certain: this show cannot risk any more controversies or theatrics outside of performances.

This series got off to a rocky start and, perhaps naively, I’m still optimistic that it can be clawed back.

All the salacious news stories and impropriety have distracted from the groundbreaking casting of our first drag queen, La Voix, the importance of the representation Goldstein will bring, and the undeniably significant feat of Dianne Buswell proudly proceeding with her pro dancer duties while pregnant.

I like to think that we can just focus on the positives going forward, but only time will tell if the damage is already beyond repair and if the curse can be lifted.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk. 

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