Strictly Come Dancing bosses are said to be taking no chances with this year’s line up, following a string of controversies that have rocked the BBC show in recent years.
According to insiders, there is a “terrible, terrible fear” among executives that more contestants could cause embarrassment, with every effort now being made to ensure this year’s stars are squeaky clean.
The show has been plagued by scandal, casting a long shadow over its sparkling reputation. Just this weekend, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, who competed last year, was suspended by the BBC after allegedly using a slur against disabled people while filming in Blackpool.
It follows damaging headlines involving professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, who became the subject of an internal investigation after allegations of bullying and aggressive behaviour were made by his 2023 partner Amanda Abbington.
And in May, BBC Radio Wales host Wynne Evans announced his departure after the broadcaster opted not to renew his contract.
He had previously issued a public apology for making what he called an “inappropriate and unacceptable” comment — a crude, sexualised remark aimed at pro dancer and It Takes Two host Janette Manrara during the Strictly live tour launch in December.
Determined to avoid further fallout, bosses are being especially cautious with casting decisions, hoping to keep this year’s series free from controversy.
Blue Peter presenters Joel Mawhinney and Shini Muthukrishnan are said to be in the running, along with Tom Parker Bowles, Queen Camilla’s son.
Other big names reportedly lined up include former I’m A Celebrity winner Georgia Toffolo, Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts, newly married ex-Love Island star Dani Dyer, and former Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan.
"There is a terrible, terrible fear among those high up that these awful things are going to keep happening and the show will be brought into disrepute again and again," a BBC insider told MailOnline. "With that in mind, they are taking no chances.
"There will be stringent checks, and asking around, and digging into potential stars’ backgrounds to make sure that they’re not choosing anyone who might damage the show. For years, there was the whole Strictly “curse” where the contestants and professionals kept having affairs. But that stopped.
"Changes were made to the partnerships and it worked. There have been other issues in the past couple of years, though. What’s been even more embarrassing for the BBC is that Wynne and Jamie have been from their own stable of stars. Going forward, those at the top want a wholesome image to shine through. No more scandal – just joy."
The Standard has contacted a representative for Strictly for comment.
