Strictly Come Dancing’s Controversial Win at the National Television Awards

The National Television Awards (NTAs) took place last night, and while the event is typically a celebration of television excellence, it was marred by controversy surrounding one of its most popular shows, Strictly Come Dancing. The BBC’s flagship dance competition was awarded the title of Best Talent Show for the ninth consecutive year, a decision that sparked outrage among viewers in light of ongoing investigations into the behavior of some of its professional dancers.

The Background of Controversy

The controversy surrounding Strictly Come Dancing began when actress Amanda Abbington accused professional dancer Giovanni Pernice of "bullying" and "abusing" her during their time together on the show. Pernice has categorically denied these allegations, but the claims have raised serious questions about the culture within the Strictly environment.

Adding to the turmoil, Graziano Di Prima was recently removed from the show after admitting to kicking his former Love Island partner, Zara McDermott, during their training sessions. These incidents have prompted a BBC investigation into the conduct of its professional dancers, casting a shadow over the show’s reputation.

The Award Ceremony

Despite the ongoing investigations, Strictly Come Dancing triumphed at the NTAs, beating out strong competitors such as The Voice UK, Great British Bake Off, Britain’s Got Talent, and MasterChef UK. The award was presented by Sam Thompson and upcoming Strictly star Pete Wicks, who announced the win to a mix of cheers and murmurs from the audience.

Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, along with a number of professional dancers, celebrated the win with enthusiasm. "This is brilliant," Daly exclaimed as she accepted the award. Winkleman added, "We’ve got the most extraordinarily amazing team… we absolutely love the show." Head judge Shirley Ballas expressed her pride in being part of the show’s 20th year, emphasizing its role in bringing families together.

Viewer Reactions

While the Strictly team basked in their victory, many viewers were left feeling uneasy. Social media erupted with criticism, questioning the appropriateness of the award given the serious allegations against some of its dancers. One viewer pointed out the awkwardness of Sam Thompson presenting the award, considering his girlfriend Zara McDermott’s claims of abuse during her time on the show.

Another user remarked, "Wow. Strictly winning despite recent headlines and controversy says a lot about the love people still have for the show." However, this sentiment was not universally shared. Many expressed their discontent, with comments like, "All the controversy around Strictly, they don’t deserve the award," and "Considering Strictly is one more whistleblower away from being cancelled, I feel this is a little awkward."

The Future of Strictly Come Dancing

The juxtaposition of the award win against the backdrop of serious allegations raises questions about the future of Strictly Come Dancing. The show’s ability to maintain its popularity amidst such controversies will be closely watched. As viewers continue to voice their concerns, the BBC’s investigation will likely play a crucial role in shaping the show’s future and its public perception.

In conclusion, while Strictly Come Dancing celebrated yet another win at the NTAs, the ongoing controversies surrounding its professional dancers have left a significant portion of the audience feeling conflicted. As the show moves forward, it will need to address these serious issues to ensure it remains a beloved staple of British television.