Jowita Przystal issues passionate defence of BBC Strictly future amid bullying probe: 'Getting better and better!'

Jowita Przystal opens up about the future of Strictly Come Dancing

PA/BBC
Lauren Williams

By Lauren Williams


Published: 14/09/2024

- 06:30

The Strictly professional won the series back in 2021 with partner Hamza Yassin

Strictly Come Dancing professional Jowita Przystal has passionately defended the BBC dancing competition and opened up about what she feels is in the future for the show.

Przystal became part of the team back in 2021 and despite not being given a celebrity partner in her first year, went on to win the series in 2022 with wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin.


Last year she was paired with Paralympian Jody Cundy but the pair were sadly the 13th couple to be eliminated. However, fans are hopeful she will be back on their screens this year after becoming a fan favourite.

The 30-year-old recently opened up on what she thinks the series will look like in the next 20 years and said: "More of the same magic, to be honest. I never thought we could get better and better each year because we use the same foundation of Ballroom dancing.

"We can’t change the rules; we can’t change the steps. But if you watch Strictly, year by year, it’s just getting better and better."

She also added how she felt to be part of the 20th-anniversary series and added: "It’s literally unreal because this shows how big the show is in this industry.

Jowita Przystal and Hamza Yassin

Jowita Przystal won during her second year on the show

BBC

"It’s all around the world, and Strictly Come Dancing was the first serious edition of the show. To have 20 series is a huge achievement, I think."

Alongside the show, Przystal also stars in the Strictly Live! tour after the competition and the Professionals Tour, however, next year she won't be in the line-up.

It was revealed on Wednesday, September 11, that the tour will be taking a break in 2025, with plans for a 2026 comeback already being put together.

The tour often launches over spring and summer following the conclusion of the Strictly Live! tour, and see 12 of the professional dancers from the show put on a spectacular night.

A BBC spokesperson told GB News: "Due to artist availability, the UK tour of Strictly The Professionals is taking a break next year.

"Plans are currently being finalised for 2026. Tickets for the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour will be on sale soon and booking information will be announced in the coming weeks.

Joining the class of 2024 are DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, Olympic hockey champion Sam Quek, Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, Gladiators star Montell Douglas, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, and EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick.

Alongside them are Miranda star Sarah Hadland, Singer Shayne Ward, The Only Way is Essex star Pete Wicks, TV doctor Punam Krishan, Singer Toyah Willcox, Singer Wynne Evans, JLS star JB Gill, and Comedian Chris McCausland.

Strictly Come Dancing line-up

Strictly Come Dancing celebrities will be paired with their professionals tonight

BBC

Amid the controversy, the BBC announced that it was introducing "additional steps to strengthen welfare and support" on the show, which will now include having a production team member present in training room rehearsals "at all times".

During Saturday's upcoming launch, fans will finally find out which professional dancer the celebrities have been paired with.

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