BBC shares statement over Strictly Come Dancing results show after spoiler leaks

The BBC has dismissed suggestions that the Strictly Come Dancing results show could face the axe due to ongoing leaks, following earlier reports. The Sunday evening results programme has remained a staple for years, but its future was reportedly under threat - though the BBC has now rejected these claims.

Despite the results show being aired a day after the main programme, both are actually recorded on the same evening. This creates the unfortunate circumstance where the eliminated contestant's identity often emerges beforehand. An increasing number of viewers are becoming exasperated with these Saturday night spoilers and are calling for both episodes to be shown on the same day, Saturday, and it had been suggested that the pressure is building on Strictly bosses to implement changes as the secret informant continues to ruin the results for thousands of fans. Nevertheless, a BBC spokesperson has now stated: "This story is nonsense. Strictly's results show is hugely popular and over seven million people came together to watch it live last Sunday night."

A source also revealed to Wales Online: "On overnight ratings alone, Sunday's results show had 7.1 million viewers. This will grow further when catch-up and BBC iPlayer viewing is factored in. This overnight figure was five million viewers more than the most watched programme on other channels, and the BBC's highest overnight of Sunday.

"Sunday's show is so much more than its results element. Alongside the Dance Off, we know Strictly viewers also love the show's Professional Dancer group performances, guest music acts, behind the scenes VTs and insight, and interviews with the judges and couples."

The Daily Mail had revealed that certain BBC bosses believe the popular programme should return to its original structure, which saw viewers casting their votes following the main Saturday episode during The National Lottery broadcast.

The live results show would then air, with the contestant garnering the lowest public backing leaving the competition. No dance-off existed in this arrangement, meaning judges lacked the chance to rescue anyone.

Yet with current proceedings, within merely an hour of recording concluding at Elstree Studios, the Strictly insider reveals the outcomes online - resulting in thousands discovering the results prior to Sunday's transmission.

Reports suggested a source stated: "It's become a complete farce, everyone watching knows that it was filmed the night before - but more significantly than that, the result is out on the internet almost immediately.

"It's fair to say that this mole is a thorn in the BBC's side. You can find out by 11.30pm on a Saturday night what happened.

"A full readout appears on social media and they have no way of stopping it. Fans have to spend all day Sunday trying to avoid the spoiler online or hearing who went in the dance-off over their Sunday lunch. With Tess and Claudia (Strictly's hosts, who are leaving at the end of this series) going, it is the ideal time to change things."

This follows cherished presenters Claudia and Tess revealing their exit from the programme next year. The announcement, shared via Instagram, caught many viewers off guard who have become attached to the pair.