Strictly Come Dancing has been branded “woke” in a heated row between Carole Malone and Political Commentator Andy Williams.
The comments come after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman revealed that they are set to leave the ballroom dancing show at the end of this series.
The presenting duo posted a joint video on Instagram in which they said it was the right time to pass on the “sparkly baton”.
Reacting to the breaking news on GB News, Ms Malone said: “They said they’ve had a great run and it’s time to go.
Carole Malone said that the BBC ballroom dancing show has ‘gone woke’
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GB NEWS
“Maybe they’ve left because it’s become a kind of poisoned chalice, hasn’t it? It’s become a bit toxic over the past couple of years with all the accusations, the bullying from the staff.
“Two professional dancers left, I think it’s gone a little bit woke. It’s not about the dancing anymore.”
Mr Williams responded: “I don’t know about that, Carol. I think it’s still the biggest show in British TV.
“It’s pretty much the only show that can consistently command millions and millions of views every Saturday night.”
Ms Malone said: “You wonder why they must be getting paid for it in the present.
“And as you say, there’s one of the top-rated shows, so why would they leave? Something is afoot.”
BBC Strictly presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly stepped down today
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BBCIn the statement, Ms Winkleman said: “There have been some rumblings, and we want you to hear this from us.”
“We have news – after 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton,” Ms Daly continued.
Ms Winkleman added: “The very sparkly baton.”
Ms Daly continued: “It’s been a huge part of our lives, hasn’t it? Since our children were literally babies in arms, and now they’re young adults, and I think genuinely, we have cherished every second.”
Ms Winkleman said: “We’re so lucky to have been part of this amazing show, and we just want to thank the Strictly team, because Strictly is the people who make it. So thank you.”
Ms Daly said the programme’s team was “the very best in television” and thanked the “wonderful audience”.
“They’ve been with us for this entire journey of 21 years, and we wouldn’t have a show without them, and they’ve been just so loyal and supportive,” she added.
The pair said the current series is the “best” one yet and revealed plans for their own last dance.
“We can’t wait to do that show dance that we have long dreamt of,” Ms Daly said.