Strictly Come Dancing faces fresh scandal as ‘married male contestant passionately kisses female pro dancer in 12-second clip’
Daily Mail
PR guru Mark Borkowski has said that with Tess and Claudia going in a matter of months, Britain is now watching the ‘slow death’ of Strictly and the presenters are fleeing a ‘dying format’ to protect their own careers.
‘This is the slow death of Strictly’, he said.
‘ITV can hear the death rattle. Stars are wary after all the recent headlines. People have seen the writing on the wall, who wants to be the last act in a long-running variety show, thanking a studio audience that’s already halfway to bed?
‘The exit of Claudia and Tess is brand preservation. Timing is everything and nothing kills a career faster than loyalty to a dying format’.
He added: ‘When you’ve fronted a juggernaut that’s starting to creak under its own sequins, the smartest move is to waltz off while the music still sounds half-decent’.
Alex Jones and Bradley Walsh in ‘talks’ to present Strictly Come Dancing
The Mirror
They added that the established format of the show will remain the same, including the set, theme tune and judging panel, which is to ensure that fans are not too disrupted.
However, BBC bosses are keen to “freshen up” the show with a new logo and new “faces on the dancefloor.” It was revealed by The Mirror that Tess’ departure was to ensure she spends more time with her family, but according to PR expert Mark Borkowski, she could be eyeing up a move to America.
He told the Mirror: “Tess has the advantage of a blank canvas. Her exit timing feels deliberate – just when Strictly starts to show its age. If she plays it right, this is her Madonna reinvention phase: same warmth, new edge.”
He added: “The US rumours make sense – she has the polish and credibility to slip into glossy network formats or daytime franchises without breaking stride.”
And it looks as though Claudia could be set on hosting her own chat show, similar to that of Graham Norton. According to reports, she will air while Graham’s show is off air so they do not compete for viewing figures.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/breaking-alex-jones-bradley-walsh-36185214
Full list of TV stars being lined up to replace Tess and Claudia on Strictly
Wales Online
The Mirror reported that Tess’ departure was planned to allow her more family time, but PR expert Mark Borkowski suggests she might be considering a move to the US.
He told the Mirror: “Tess has the advantage of a blank canvas. Her exit timing feels deliberate – just when Strictly starts to show its age. If she plays it right, this is her Madonna reinvention phase: same warmth, new edge.”
He added: “The US rumours make sense – she has the polish and credibility to slip into glossy network formats or daytime franchises without breaking stride.”
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/tv/full-list-tv-stars-being-32806287
From eugenics to Scooter Braun: how Sydney Sweeney became one of the most controversial stars in Hollywood
The Standard
The Right were thrilled. This, combined with her “All-American” looks, made her a pretty little pin-up for white, Right-wing Americans. And while Sweeney did hit out at “assumptions” that were made about her political stance after the pictures received a backlash, she stayed conspicuously clear of disclosing her own politics.
“It’s absolutely a tactic,” says celebrity PR expert Mark Borkowski, “because as soon as you disclose that in the age of culture wars, you are cannon fodder.”
Borkowski and Gamble both compare this apolitical side of Sweeney to Taylor Swift, who famously took a long time to disclose her political stance around the 2016 election, despite incessant pleas from her fans to denounce Donald Trump. At the time, PRs and critics claimed it was due to Swift wanting to capitalise on her fandom being split between both camps, and not wanting to lose half her audience.
Eventually, in a post to Instagram, Swift admitted how she had been “reluctant” to publicly voice her political opinions in the past, “but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now.” She went on to reveal that she was voting for a Democrat, and encouraged her fans to educate themselves and “make your vote count.” PR wise, Swift’s image didn’t take much of a hit: she’s now more famous than ever.
Inside Meghan Markle’s ‘Very Conscious’ Solo Rebrand and How Prince Harry Feels About It (Exclusive)
US Weekly
According to insiders and industry experts, Meghan, 44, is now deliberately repositioning herself as a power player separate from her husband, Prince Harry, 41. While the couple — who accepted the Humanitarians of the Year award at the Project Healthy Minds gala in NYC on Oct. 9 together — remain connected on many causes, she’s rebranding as a one-woman show. “This is the first time we’re seeing Meghan as an individual brand again,” says public relations expert Jane Owen.
“It’s a shift toward individuality.” Adds PR expert Mark Borkowski: “Meghan is no longer half of a royal duo. She’s re-emerging as a solo brand: global, aspirational and strategically aloof. The royal chapter was about proximity to power. This one’s about reclaiming it.”
Meghan Markle documents sweet Dodgers ‘date night’ with Prince Harry
US Weekly
Insiders and industry experts told Us that Meghan is rebranding herself as an individual power player, separate from her husband.
“This is the first time we’re seeing Meghan as an individual brand again,” public relations expert Jane Owen said. “It’s a shift toward individuality.”
PR expert Mark Borkowski added, “Meghan is no longer half of a royal duo. She’s re-emerging as a solo brand: global, aspirational and strategically aloof. The royal chapter was about proximity to power. This one’s about reclaiming it.”
Meghan Markle documents sweet Dodgers ‘date night’ with Prince Harry | Macon Telegraph
SOLO SUSSEX Meghan Markle & Prince Harry are ‘at war with themselves’ amid ‘professional separation’, claims royal expert
The Sun US
PR guru Mark Borkowski told Best magazine: “There has been a separation [of their work] for a while.
“Harry is ‘going back to basics’ with a formula that worked well for him as a Royal Family member, but there’s also the realisation that the couple’s ‘star power’ wasn’t as successful as they hoped.
“They had to change the narrative.”
Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Keeping Their Professional Lives More Separate
Elle
PR expert Jane Owen told Us Weekly that Meghan’s recent moves suggest “a shift toward individuality.” Mark Borkowski, another PR specialist, noted that she’s “re-emerging as a solo brand: global, aspirational, and strategically aloof.” He added, “The royal chapter was about proximity to power. This one’s about reclaiming it.”
Meghan Markle planning to enter THIS industry after lifestyle guru era
Geo News
All of this hints at Meghan trying to establish a solo brand, per PR experts.
“This is the first time we’re seeing Meghan as an individual brand again,” said PR expert Jane Owen.
PR expert Mark Borkowski agreed, saying, “It’s a shift toward individuality. Meghan is no longer half of a royal duo. She’s re-emerging as a solo brand: global, aspirational and strategically aloof. The royal chapter was about proximity to power. This one’s about reclaiming it.”
As for her husband Prince Harry’s thoughts on the new trajectory, “He always thinks she’s making the right moves.”
According to the first mole, the Duke of Sussex thinks its great Meghan has found “something she can sink her teeth into. It’s what she successfully did before him, and he believes in the saying, ‘Happy wife, happy life.’ He’s happy not to be involved in that world.”
https://www.geo.tv/latest/631117-prince-harrys-thoughts-on-meghan-markles-new-solo-branding-revealed
How Lily Allen made a career out of controversy
The Telegraph
Allen is, as she herself puts it, “a well-documented nepo baby”: her father is actor Keith Allen, and, following their divorce, her mother Allison dated comedian Harry Enfield. “She grew up in a very showbiz household,” says PR expert Mark Borkowski. “She’s much like her dad Keith: he is very, very upfront, he doesn’t suffer fools or deal with any b—–ks.”
Allen was always “very feisty – the ultimate showbiz brat,” adds Borkowski. She certainly had a lengthy wild child phase. In 2006 she told Uncut magazine: “I was a drug dealer in Ibiza at 15. I did not excel in drug-dealing – I was terrible at it. Golden rule with drug-dealing; don’t get too enthusiastic with your own merchandise.”
Allen was also something of a pioneer, points out Borkowski, in utilising social media. “She was ahead of her time in building up a huge following on MySpace.” She has continued to talk frankly and directly to her audience, though it’s now mainly through her podcast Miss Me? which she has co-hosted with her friend Miquita Oliver since 2024. “She understands the modern need for raw honesty,” says Borkowski. “She’s also got absolute Teflon skin, so she can handle any blowback.”
Now Allen is back in the music world, and just as provocative as ever – if not more. “If you have success with something early on, you should carry on doing it,” says Borkowski. “A lot of people aren’t that strong-willed, but Lily has stuck to her guns.”
Why Meghan Markle just ‘professionally separated’ from Prince Harry
Tyla
In agreement that this all forms part of her professional separation from Harry, PR expert Mark Borkowski added that the former Suits actress is ‘no longer half of a royal duo’.
“She’s re-emerging as a solo brand: global, aspirational and strategically aloof,” he explained. “The royal chapter was about proximity to power. This one’s about reclaiming it.”
Of the message Meghan is supposedly striving to convey, Borkowski continued: “The Vogue salons, the couture cameos, the soft-focus humanitarianism – all signals that she’s positioning herself in the rarefied Gwyneth [Paltrow] and [Victoria] Beckham tier of conscious luxury.”
Also in agreement is Nick Ede, a culture guru who told the publication that the Duchess is in ‘pure celebrity mode’.
Tess Daly tipped for HUGE TV move after Strictly exit as insiders reveal ‘one ace card’ that could make her millions
The Sun
In her statement, Tess said: “Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It’s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.
“Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together — and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.”
And she finished it off saying: “This isn’t a goodbye to glitter, sequins, or Saturday night sparkle (I could never say goodbye to those!).
“Strictly will forever hold a special place in my heart — but it does feel like the right time to hand over the reins.”
PR guru Mark Borkowski also agrees that This Morning will be eyeing up the BBC’s crown jewel.
He said: “Tess is a top talent, and ITV would love to have her because she comes with a built-in audience. Whatever move she makes will generate huge news.
“Tess is the girl-next-door kind of presenter, which is really popular. She might have been on prime time for 20 years, but whatever slot she takes, she’ll certainly make it prime time.
“I’m also expecting channels like Sky to want to sign her up for something. Tess is a safe pair of hands and has managed to be scandal-free, which is desirable.
“She’d be perfect for a morning TV programme as they all need a boost at the moment, but equally she could turn an afternoon show into a huge success because of her personality and following. Think of Noel Edmonds with Deal or No Deal; no one thought opening boxes would be that exciting.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/37103828/tess-daly-claudia-winkleman-strictly-top-show-millions/
‘Unflappable, witty and super smart’: the rise and rise of Claudia Winkleman
The Guardian
On reports of a chatshow, he said: “I think she needs to be careful with that. Because that has to be about you. You have to be driving it and controlling it, and I think she possibly hasn’t enough of an ego.”
The PR expert Mark Borkowski said: “I remember I used to go into Liquid News. It was orientated towards a smart, younger audience, Paddy O’Connell used to be on it. It was a really interesting place for some of the BBC talent who are now pretty well established and have matured like great wine.
“And I always thought she was so smart, so on it. That’s part of what she offers at the moment.” Few people could carry live TV well, he added. “But you can see it in her. Whip smart, delivered without any of that barbed cynicism you get from social media.”
Winkleman, who has said of herself: “I’m a tiny orange lady and my fringe is too long,” has presented dating shows, film programmes, Fame Academy, Eurovision selection shows and The Great British Sewing Bee. She initially joined Strictly in 2005 to host the companion show Strictly: It Takes Two before moving to the main show in 2014, replacing Bruce Forsyth.
She has three children aged between 12 and 21 with her husband, the film producer Kris Thykier, and has juggled Strictly with the juggernaut that is The Traitors, Channel 4’s The Piano, and, up until last year, a BBC Radio 2 weekend show.
Celebrity Traitors, currently the BBC’s most watched reality TV show, is pulling in approximately 11 million viewers, to the delight of BBC bosses.
Borkowski said: “She’s great on Traitors at juggling that tension and the silliness with surgical precision. She’s got this calm that you need in the storm of this type of reality TV. She’s unflappable, witty, super smart and not over-exposed.”
In a world seemingly flooded with reality TV contestants and influencers, “in this general malaise of mediocrity”, he said, she stood out. “In terms of the unscripted space, she’s an absolute star.”
“She is emblematic, really of where real talent should be aiming for,” Borkowski said, adding that she had cross-generational appeal, particularly to women.
“One crucial thing. She has got an incredible stylist. And in this world of Instagram and visual aesthetics, she has really delivered. The sheen gloss black hair, everything about her look is so on brand and idiosyncratic. It does feel she’s not copying anybody else. There are no precursors to her. She is what she is and that’s very rare.”
Is this the death knell for Strictly? As Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quit, bosses plan ‘big changes’ to the show after string of scandals
Daily Mail
Claudia’s TV mega-hit The Traitors is now outperforming Strictly in terms of viewers with the celebrity version now the most talked about show on terrestrial TV.
PR guru Mark Borkowski has said that with Tess and Claudia going in a matter of months, Britain is now watching the ‘slow death’ of Strictly and the presenters are fleeing a ‘dying format’ to protect their own careers.
‘This is the slow death of Strictly’, he said.
‘ITV can hear the death rattle. Stars are wary after all the recent headlines. People have seen the writing on the wall, who wants to be the last act in a long-running variety show, thanking a studio audience that’s already halfway to bed?
‘The exit of Claudia and Tess is brand preservation. Timing is everything and nothing kills a career faster than loyalty to a dying format’.
He added: ‘When you’ve fronted a juggernaut that’s starting to creak under its own sequins, the smartest move is to waltz off while the music still sounds half-decent’.
BBC faces Saturday night TV crisis as Strictly prepares for difficult reboot
INews
Fellow PR expert Mark Borkowski said the BBC faced the “slow death of Strictly” in the years ahead.
‘I’m a PR expert, Tess Daly’s future is different to Claudia Winkleman’s for key reason’
The Mirror
PR expert Mark Borkowski told the Mirror: “Claudia’s next act writes itself. She’s already colonised the national psyche as the high-priestess of irony and comfort – a woman who can juggle tension and silliness with surgical precision.
“The Traitors has cemented her as the face of ‘controlled chaos,’ the calm within the storm of reality TV deceit. From a brand point of view, she’s gold-plated: trusted, witty, and unflappable. The smart move now isn’t more exposure, it’s selectivity – she is the force of unscripted television: minimal appearances, maximum impact. Less ‘host,’ more ‘television event’.”
Mark added of Tess: “Tess, meanwhile, has the advantage of a blank canvas. Her exit timing feels deliberate – just when Strictly starts to show its age. If she plays it right, this is her Madonna reinvention phase: same warmth, new edge. The US rumours make sense – she has the polish and credibility to slip into glossy network formats or daytime franchises without breaking stride.”
Tess Daly’s Strictly exit could help ‘inexperienced’ husband Vernon Kay with career move
The Mirror
Speaking of what the future might hold for Tess, a PR expert said her career can now be a “blank canvas”. Mark Borkowski told the Mirror: “Tess has the advantage of a blank canvas.
“Her exit timing feels deliberate – just when Strictly starts to show its age. If she plays it right, this is her Madonna reinvention phase: same warmth, new edge.
“The US rumours make sense – she has the polish and credibility to slip into glossy network formats or daytime franchises without breaking stride.”
Mark said the decision by Tess and her Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman to leave the show was a “masterclass”. He added: “Tess and Claudia read the room.
“They didn’t wait for the format to fail them. They left with rhythm intact, brands unsmudged, dignity trending. The rest of us should take note: if you’re still dancing on a creaking floor, it might be time to change the music.”
Tess Daly’s Strictly exit could help ‘inexperienced’ Vernon
The Mirror
Speaking of his presenting duties previously in the States, Vernon discussed his ABC and NBC roles. “They lasted a series,” he said.
“If you want a laugh, go on YouTube and watch a game show I hosted called the Million Dollar Mind Game. It’s basically me doing an impression of Roger Moore.”
Speaking of what the future might hold for Tess, a PR expert said her career can now be a “blank canvas”. Mark Borkowski told the Mirror: “Tess has the advantage of a blank canvas.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/tess-dalys-strictly-exit-could-36129536.amp
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quitting Strictly isn’t just TV fluff it’s a masterclass in the politics of timing…
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quitting Strictly isn’t just TV fluff it’s a masterclass in the politics of timing. Cynics will suspect a hidden narrative beneath the sequins, but taken at face value, this headline is a meditation on the art of departure.
Most people in our business cling on long after the sparkle’s gone, clutching legacy like a comfort blanket. They don’t hear the applause fade they just keep smiling through the echo.
There are always conditions we don’t see: fatigue, friction, that quiet sense that the best ideas have already been used. But real courage is walking away before the audience does. In PR, that’s the line between a career and a cautionary tale.
Comfort is the real career killer the retainer that numbs your curiosity, the “safe pair of hands” brief that slowly drains your edge. You can’t innovate if you’re afraid to vanish for a while.
Everyone’s panicking that AI will take their job. It might but only if you’ve stopped thinking like a human. The bots can’t fake hunger, risk or reinvention. They simply mirror your complacency back at you, in real time. They can replicate your process, not your restlessness. They don’t know what it feels like to be scared of the next act and do it anyway.
Tess and Claudia read the room. They didn’t wait for the format to fail them. They left with rhythm intact, brands unsmudged, dignity trending.
The rest of us should take note: if you’re still dancing on a creaking floor, it might be time to change the music.
When you’ve fronted a juggernaut creaking under its own sequins, the smartest move is to waltz off while the tune still sounds half-decent. Strictly has lost its cultural voltage; the stars have grown wary after too many awkward headlines. Their people can see the writing on the wall no one wants to be the last act in a long-running variety show, thanking a studio audience that’s already halfway to bed.
This exit isn’t scandal; it’s brand preservation. In the business of show, timing is everything and nothing kills a career faster than loyalty to a dying format.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are quitting. Is Strictly doomed?
The Times
Mark Borkowski, the highly seasoned showbusiness PR, doubts it. “I haven’t heard anything scandalous,” he says. “Tess and Claudia probably thought, ‘21 years, and it’s not so much fun any more.’ You know, it’s about jumping the lily pad in time. It’s not about hanging on. I think that they could have easily stayed with it. But all careers are brilliant when you actually make the move before it drags you under.”
For Daly and Winkleman, the future shines brighter for one than the other. With Traitors Winkleman is at a career high, and has another popular series, The Piano, on Channel 4. She is also a mother who left her prime Saturday morning spot on Radio 2 to “follow [her children] around at home before they leave for good”. But the world can wait. “She has got everything the Americans love in terms of a female presenter,” Borkowski says. “She’s got a strong sense of style and is English in a sort of modern way.”
He laughs at my suggestion that ITV may have made the pair an offer to compere its flagging This Morning. “They’re too big for it and the format is dead as well,” he says.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are quitting. Is Strictly doomed?