Strictly Come Dancing sparks backlash as it wins NTA after months of scandal

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-Credit: (Image: (Image: PA))


Strictly Come Dancing has triumphed at the National Television Awards 2024, snatching the Talent Show trophy despite a year overshadowed by scandal.

In the face of ten months rife with whispers of misconduct off-camera, the cherished BBC One series celebrated its 20th year buoyed by a wave of fan solidarity, earning a spot in the Talent Show roster at the NTAs which are decided entirely by the viewing public.

At the moment the show made it to the NTA shortlist, a television source said: "This is a much-needed vote of confidence. The show has been buffeted by a string of allegations recently. This shows that though the public are shocked by the revelations that have emerged, they also love the show and want to lend their support."

"Previous years have seen fallen-out-of-favour programmes miss out at nomination time. But it seems Strictly enjoys undiminished support from scores of Brits."

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Against expectations, the hit TV dance contest waltzed away with the NTA victory under its belt, reports the Express. Following the award announcement, viewers took to social media to voice their opinions. One irate fan posted: "Strictly winning after the year they've had is a joke, toxic environments always win apparently x #NTAs."

Another chimed in, expressing surprise yet pointing out the enduring affection for the programme: "Wow. #Strictly winning despite recent headlines and controversy says a lot about the love people still have for the show. Doesn't look like this series is going to suffer much in the ratings. #NTAs."

Strictly Come Dancing faced mixed reactions at the National Television Awards (NTAs) amid swirling controversies. One disgruntled viewer expressed disappointment, commenting: "All the controversy around Strictly, they don't deserve the award #NTAs."

There were jokes too, with someone adding: "Considering Strictly is one more whistleblower away from being cancelled and having an ITV 3 part drama made about it, I feel this is a little awkward #NTAs #NationalTelevisionAwards."

Another was perplexed by how the show could win: "#NTAs if this morning can't win because of Phillip why is strictly winning because of the abuse scandals and all weird that."

However, some fans were thrilled with Strictly's success, with enthusiastic support pouring in as a viewer posted: "Omg Congratulations truly well deserved my all time favourite and the greatest show Strictly come dancing @bbcstrictly #StrictlyComeDancing #BBC #BBCOne #NTAAwards #NTAs."

Compliments continued as another fan congratulated the team: "The winner of the Talent Show Award goes to... Strictly Come Dancing! Congratulations @ClaudiaWinkle and @TessDaly, the judges and the dancers and good luck on the new series. #NTAs @bbcstrictly #Strictly."

This comes on the heels of reports that pro dancer Giovanni Pernice was looked into for alleged bullying towards his former celebrity dance partner, actress Amanda Abbington, from last season. He strongly refuted "any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour" and has said he is "looking forward to clearing his name".

Meanwhile, Italian pro Graziano Di Prima was let go from the show following the emergence of video evidence appearing to show him kicking his celebrity dance partner Zara McDermott.

He expressed his remorse over the circumstances that led to his exit, stating he "deeply regrets" the events and acknowledging that his "intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime".

Former Love Island contestant and documentary host Zara also released a statement, admitting she was part of incidents during training that she now considers "incredibly distressing" to revisit.