BBC management faces allegations of disrespecting devoted elderly viewers by eliminating the phone vote option for Strictly Come Dancing prior to the show's resumption.
Strictly Come Dancing Faces Controversy as Phone-In Voting is Scrapped
The popular BBC dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing, is once again embroiled in controversy as the broadcaster announced plans to scrap phone-in voting for the show. This decision has sparked concerns and criticism from various quarters, with some accusing the BBC of treating older viewers with contempt.
The move to digital voting has been met with apprehension, with concerns it could alienate older viewers who may not be as comfortable with online voting. Dennis Reed, director of the campaign group Silver Voices, voiced his disapproval, stating, "The BBC is treating loyal older viewers with contempt." Caroline Abrahams, charity director for Age UK, shared similar sentiments, expressing concerns that the change may feel like another example of the world moving on and leaving older people far behind.
The decision to discontinue the phone voting system was made due to the decades-old system being considered outdated and too expensive to run. In recent years, the vast majority of votes for Strictly were cast online, making the transition a logical step. However, the roll-out of digital landlines has been criticised for putting the elderly at risk, with telecoms companies accused of negligence.
The controversy surrounding Strictly Come Dancing doesn't end there. A male star is currently being questioned by police over allegations involving non-consensual intimate image abuse. This is not the first time the show has been embroiled in scandal; last year, Wynne Evans, a former Strictly star, was forced to apologise for making an unacceptable sexual remark on stage, leading to his dismissal by the BBC.
In a separate incident, former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott was left 'incredibly distressed' following her experience in the training room with Graziano Di Prima. Di Prima was subsequently axed after admitting to kicking the documentary maker. The broadcaster has also launched an inquiry into the show amid claims two of its stars had used cocaine.
Despite the controversies, Strictly Come Dancing is set to return this year with a new cast. The line-up includes Dani Dyer, La Voix, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Balvinder Sopal, Karen Carney, Ross King, Thomas Skinner, and Ellie Goldstein. Other celebrities joining the competition include Rugby player Chris Robshaw, Neighbours star Stefan Dennis, YouTuber George Clarke, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, Emmerdale's Lewis Cope, Geordie Shore's Vicky Pattison, and sportsman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank.
As the show prepares for its return, viewers will now be asked to vote online using a BBC account. Whether this change will be met with acceptance remains to be seen, as the debate over the impact on older viewers continues.
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