GREAT ENTERTAINMENT
The shiny floor show that keeps its sheen
ENTERTAINMENT WINNER
STRICTLY COME DANCING BBC1
BBC Studios
Strictly Come Dancing’s exec producer, Sarah James, explains that evolution rather than revolution is the key to the enduring appeal of a show that continues to deliver pure joy and escapism to the nation’s TV screens on a Saturday night
“What makes it stand out is just the pure joy of it,” says Strictly’s exec producer, Sarah James, on the enduring appeal of the primetime hit. And, she says, that’s also key to its longevity.
There’s no ‘nasty’ to it. “I think the beauty of this show is that there’s literally nothing mean spirited about it,” says James. “Even our panto villain, Craig, is such a lovely human being behind the scenes and everybody knows that.” And that adds up to what audiences want from a Saturday night. “It is pure escapism for the viewers. It’s glamorous and it’s colourful and it’s bright. A happy and joyful show.”
Much of that comes through from the show’s production right through to the screen, she says.
“I think everybody who takes part in it enjoys their experience. The judges love it, the presenters love it, the dancers love it and, behind the scenes, everybody loves it. I love making the show and I think we all do so I think hopefully that’s what comes through.”
Fresh footwork But with such a long running show, there’s a balancing act too. Keeping it fresh while not losing the flavour that made it a hit in the first place. “This show has stayed true to what it is over the years,” says James. Although “we definitely try to evolve the show all the time. Sometimes that evolution happens naturally
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televisual.com Special Supplement Spring 2021
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