Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left stunned after the BBC announced the axe of a beloved feature from the programme.

The iconic dance competition made its grand return last weekend, with viewers glued to their screens as a fresh batch of celebrities took to the dance floor for the launch show,.

Yet, in a surprising twist, it was disclosed that the show’s official blog would no longer be updated, shifting the focus to bolstering the programme’s presence on social media platforms.

Devoted followers previously flocked to the Strictly blog for insider updates, including weekly song reveals and immediate post-elimination news.

This resource, however, will now join the archives of television history, as confirmed by a statement released on Tuesday: “We understand that a community has built up over the years and some of you will find this disappointing.”

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The statement continued, outlining the strategic shift and stating people can still get updates on their social media channels.

It added: “However, in line with changing audience behaviours a decision has been made to direct users to our social channels where there are active communities discussing the show on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

“The Strictly blog and its comment section will soon be closing in line with other blogs across the BBC, with content no longer being published or updated.”

The statement went on to express gratitude to fans for their contributions over the years, and expressed hope that they would continue to engage with them on social media, reports the Mirror.

Despite this, the official Twitter/X has not been updated with any information about this year’s show or contestants, leaving some fans heartbroken.

One user vented in the blog’s comments section, adding: “Shame on you, BBC. We don’t all use social media and even if we did I don’t think it would replace our blog family.”

Another fan expressed confusion at the decision, commenting: “This suggests a lack of numbers contributing to the blog. Yet on 30/09/23 there were 1644 comments, on 28/10/23 there were 2175 comments and on 25/11/23 , 2496 comments this hardly suggests a lack of traffic through the blog. There is much more to this than the beeb is prepared to say….or admit to.”

Other fans said the announcement left them full of questions and felt like “death by a thousand cuts”, accusing it of showing a “smacks of a disregard” for loyal blog users over the years.

This Saturday, the contestants will take to the dancefloor for the first time with their professional partners.

However, one celebrity has been dealt a crushing blow with the latest odds putting him first to be eliminated.

According to Ladbrokes, Paul Merson is likely to leave the show first, with his odds standing at 9/4 to be booted off.

Ladbrokes’ Alex Apati commented: “Paul Merson will already be praying for extra-time if the latest odds are anything to go by.”

Following close behind Paul is DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, who has odds of 3/1 to leave the competition first.

On the other hand, JB Gill is the favourite to win the Glitterball, with Tasha Ghouri a close second.

Strictly Come Dancing‘s first live show will air on September 21 on BBC One from 7pm.