Strictly Come Dancing is a huge annual hit, with the BBC show accumulating millions of viewers each Autumn, all keen to see the latest selection of famous faces step out of their comfort zone and onto the dance floor alongside a team of professional choreographers, who have become staples of the seasonal programme. Many have been waiting to find out who will be taking on the 2021 series, but the latest announcements have seen a significant backlash among viewers, who believe this year’s lineup is weak. People have also criticised the show for signing up chef Gordon Ramsay’s daughter Tilly, 19, claiming she isn’t a celebrity in her own right.
Taking to Twitter following Wednesday’s announcement, one viewer complained: “A chef’s kid now in the line up #Strictly really is scraping the Barrel now.”
Another wrote: “Ermmm this #Strictly lineup so far is absolutely terrible… worst I’ve seen in years. What’s going on!?”
“I know many of the “stars” in #Strictly have a tenuous claim to fame, but really?” a third penned.
“YAY!!! An actual celebrity… Oh wait, that’s his daughter… #Strictly,” complained another.
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson leaves May with head in hands as stunt goes wrong
Someone else added: “Things must be getting desperate at the @BBC when the kids of so-called celebrities are getting picked for #Strictly.”
A sixth posted: “Sorry but this year’s strictly looks pants… tilly Ramsay really who is she #Strictly #ThisMorning.”
However, some viewers have praised the BBC for the diverse line-up with one fan posting: “Really loving this year’s #Strictly line up so far, good mix of contestants with different backgrounds, some I don’t know but looking forward to seeing what they are like, getting really excited for the series now!”
Another wrote: “With half of this years cast of #Strictly already announced have to say apart from one #bbc1 I’m impressed definitely tune in if the rest of the line up is this good #StrictlyComeDancing.”
The actor and children’s TV presenter Rhys Stephenson followed, alongside Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies.
Former Coronation Street star Katie McGlynn has also been unveiled as a contestant, and said she’s “super excited” about the opportunity.
She added: “I’m really not a dancer, but I’m so excited to learn a new skill on this crazy journey and cannot wait to slip into some sequins along the way.”
BBC Breakfast’s Dan Walker was the eighth to be named upon his return from covering the Tokyo Olympic Games.
The broadcaster commented: “I am definitely excited, a little bit worried, mostly terrified and a small part of me is considering going into hiding!”
