The BBC have hit back at claims of favouritism on Strictly Come Dancing after statistics showed that almost half of all the show's winners worked for the broadcaster.
According to the Sun, out of the 18 winners on the popular dance series so far, 8 of them - which equates to around 44 per cent - have been BBC stars.
A representative for the programme however has denied claims that contestants associated with the broadcaster have an advantage, as winners are "decided by the public."
It comes after Adam Peaty 's mum, Caroline Peaty, referred to the show as being a "total fix" after her son, and his dance partner Katya Jones, were voted out last week.
Overall, according to the Sun's analysis, there have been 264 contestants in the show's history and 102 - roughly 39 per cent - have worked for the BBC.
Since the show began in 2004, winners connected to the BBC have included newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, Holby City actor Tom Chambers and presenter Ore Oduba.
The latest winner who's considered to be a 'BBC star' by the Sun is Stacey Dooley, who won the series back in 2018 with her dance partner, and now boyfriend, Kevin Clifton.
And two EastEnders actors have ended up lifting the Glitterball, with Jill Halfpenny triumphant in 2004 and Kara Tointon earning the honour during the series in 2010.
It's worth noting though that each year there's typically a cast member from the BBC soap on Strictly, though Jill and Kara are so far the only ones to be declared winners.
And whilst there's yet to be a winner from ITV 's Coronation Street, there's been success for Emmerdale - with Kelvin Fletcher having won with partner Oti Mabuse in 2019.
In response to the recent analysis, a spokesperson for the BBC however has said: "These statistics are misleading. The winner of Strictly is decided by the public vote."
An insider added that many of the celebrities who have taken part in the show are familiar to viewers due to work across a number of broadcasters.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One on Saturday from 6.40pm. The results show will air the following night from 7.20pm. Catch-up now through the BBC iPlayer.
