[tellyblues]

The Voice certainly did start higher and drop when Strictly came along, but even if we just look at the weeks when it faced Strictly it still posted a higher average than Starstruck (3.2m) despite the vastly more difficult slot. It only dipped below 3m (to 2.9m) for one episode whereas Starstruck averaged below it.

It’s definitely possible for a new show to retain more of Takeaway. Limitless Win and 1% Club have both done a much better job of retaining a large lead in than Starstruck.

I'm not sure the clash with Strictly is that big of a deal considering the different audiences and the fact that viewers of Strictly can switch over to The Voice for the last hour and help its ratings. For what The Voice claims to represent and deliver upon, it massively underperforms whereas Starstruck for what it is doesn't and ITV's estimations of how it should have performed have been wide of the mark, IMO.

The retention debate is all good but I don't see anyone saying that Blankety Blank should be punted for not retaining enough of Strictly's audience. Whilst SNT doesn't get anywhere near the same ratings, it's not your average show and its numbers reflect that. 1% Club and Limitless Win both perform substantially better than others in the genre because it's not simple right and wrong answers and they are more accessible than most game shows.