Ratings blow for Strictly as Adams falters
THE first live show of the new Strictly Come Dancing series pulled in the smallest audience in eight years on Saturday night.
It was watched by an average of 6.84million viewers, one million fewer than the number for the equivalent programme last year.
The figures mark the show’s worst opening since 2014 when 6.54million watched the first of two live shows to kick off series 12.
There was more bad news when former footballer Tony Adams, 55, was panned for his performance. One viewer tweeted: ‘Maybe the worst dance I’ve seen on Strictly.’
A second added: ‘That was dreadful’ while another asked: ‘Has Tony Adams got rigor mortis?’
The ex-England and Arsenal star was lowered on to the dance floor atop a gold cannon wearing his former club’s colours of red and white.
But he finished bottom of the leaderboard with just 15 points for his tango with partner Katya Jones. Actor Will Mellor, 46, and wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin, 32, finished joint top with impressive scores of 34.
Paralympian swimming gold medallist Ellie Simmonds, 27, made history as Strictly’s first contestant with dwarfism and scored 26 for her cha- cha- cha with Nikita Kuzmin.
Viewing numbers were also down for the show’s launch on Friday when the 15 celebrities paired up with their professional partners.
It was watched by a peak of 5.6million viewers – compared to the 2021 series launch which attracted top ratings of 7.21million.
The 20th series also features two same- sex pairings. Reigning champion Giovanni Pernice is dancing with BBC Radio 2’s Richie Anderson and comedian Jayde Adams, 37, is competing with professional Karen Hauer.
The results carry over to next weekend when the first celebrity will be eliminated. Strictly continues on BBC1 on Saturday evening.