Strictly Come Dancing Wins Big at National Television Awards Amid Scandals

Strictly Come Dancing made headlines by winning the coveted Best Talent Show award at the National Television Awards (NTAs) in 2025, overcoming a year rife with scandals and controversies.

The prestigious ceremony celebrated the best in UK television, where the popular dance competition proved its resilience and continued appeal to audiences.

Cast members Pete Wicks and JB Gill represented the show, receiving the award as a testament to the hard work of everyone involved behind the scenes.

In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Pete remarked on the crucial role of the dedicated crew who tirelessly contribute to the production. JB Gill added his voice of thanks to the judges, the viewers, and the fellow nominees, emphasizing the show’s commitment to entertain and engage its loyal fanbase even amid turmoil.

Challenges Faced by Strictly Come Dancing

The journey leading to this triumphant moment has not been easy for Strictly Come Dancing. The show faced numerous challenges over the past 18 months, including accusations of misconduct that led to the exits of notable professional dancers.

Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima both left the show, each embroiled in separate allegations that created a cloud of controversy over the series.

Giovanni, specifically, was accused of “bullying” behavior towards his celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington. Despite the serious nature of the claims, an internal investigation revealed that while some allegations were substantiated, he did not engage in inappropriate conduct. This outcome was pivotal for maintaining the integrity of the show amidst public scrutiny.

On the other hand, Graziano Di Prima’s departure was marked by troubling allegations concerning his interactions with fellow cast member Zara McDermott.

Reports described their dance rehearsals as distressed, resulting from Graziano’s passionate yet intense approach to his craft. This situation led him to acknowledge the emotional weight of the accusations, ultimately choosing to step away from the program.

Further Controversies Impacting the Show

In addition to the dancer exits, the show faced further public relations hurdles. Contestant Wynne Evans found himself at the center of controversy after a video surfaced where he appeared to make an inappropriate sexual comment during an interview.

Following the backlash, he issued an apology, clarifying that his comment was intended as a playful nickname for a co-star and not meant to offend.

Another moment of drama unfolded when participant Thomas Skinner snatched a phone from a reporter during a press interaction, expressing shock over the personal messages that appeared on the screen.

He claimed that his instinct was to protect his privacy and that stepping away from the situation seemed the most appropriate course of action.

The Silver Lining: Loyal Audiences and Bright Future

Despite the series of scandals, the success of Strictly Come Dancing at the NTAs serves as a powerful reminder of its enduring popularity and the loyalty of its audience.

The recognition at such a high-profile event signifies more than just an award; it symbolizes hope and resilience for the show as it works to overcome the past difficulties.

The reception of the Best Talent Show award represents a fresh start for Strictly Come Dancing, providing a platform to showcase the incredible talent of its dancers and contestants while uplifting the spirit of the show.

Fans can look forward to what lies ahead as the production uses this moment to reinvigorate its mission of delivering captivating entertainment to households across the nation.

The journey is ongoing, and as Strictly Come Dancing continues to evolve, it invites viewers to be part of the narrative—celebrating the highs and learning from the lows together.

Stay tuned for more exciting performances and unforgettable moments in the next season and join the conversation about the show’s legacy!