Five Strictly Come Dancing stars might be facing dismissal ahead of the 2025 series, according to a new report.
The popular BBC show has been embroiled in scandal, following allegations against several professional dancers and concerns about contestant treatment, including complaints from Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott.
Sherlock star Abbington, who left the show last year after five weeks, accused her former dance partner Giovanni Pernice of being "unnecessary, abusive, cruel, and mean". Pernice has denied these allegations.
As the BBC's investigation into misconduct intensified, pro Graziano Di Prima was axed from the show amid allegations he "kicked" Love Island star Zara McDermott during rehearsals. He has since stated that he "deeply regrets" the incidents leading to his departure.
More allegations against dancers have surfaced, prompting the BBC to implement significant measures to ensure the wellbeing of celebrities on the show.
However, it is now reported that up to five professional dancers might be dismissed next year, following the departures of Pernice and Di Prima.
BBC bosses reportedly believe some veteran stars feel “entitled and untouchable”. A source told The Sun: “There isn’t much they can do to change the line up for this year’s crisis-hit show, but the feeling is that Strictly needs to make a fresh start in 2025.
“There’s the fear that being on the show leaves them more open to feeling entitled and untouchable. It’s not a done deal, and it’s not just going to be a case of the oldest or longest-serving being shown the door. It would be a carefully considered process, with other factors taken into account too.
“The fact that the BBC are even considering making big changes and bringing in fresh blood is a sign of how keen they are to move on and make every effort to ensure nothing like this happens again.
“That could mean saying goodbye to some of the best-known pros — both male and female — but when it comes to Strictly, nobody is ever bigger than the show.”
The remarks come as the BBC releases its annual report on Tuesday, which is expected to stir controversy about the culture and treatment of contestants on Strictly.
While the report will showcase the corporation's successes and reveal the pay of its top talent, attention is likely to focus on the ongoing internal investigation and the negative stories surrounding its flagship show.
Among the returning dancers is Amy Dowden following her breast cancer battle last year. Despite her diagnosis, she made surprise appearances in the ballroom and kept fans updated on her treatment, expressing her eagerness to return.
Meanwhile, Karen Hauer, who is the longest-serving pro since her debut in 2012, is back, joined by veteran stars Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Katya Jones, and Aljaž Škorjanec, who has returned after leaving in 2022. This week, they all resumed rehearsals for the upcoming season.
Additionally, MailOnline reported that the show's top executive, Suzy Lamb, who oversees all of BBC Studio's entertainment programmes, is coming under fire. They claimed the fallout from the Strictly scandal could jeopardise her chances of securing a newly merged position she is vying for against a colleague.
However the corporation refuted the report. A BBC Studios Spokesperson told The Standard: “The proposed restructure concerns our entire unscripted entertainment business at BBC Studios Productions and is not connected to any single programme.
“We announced this move in June and it would be wrong to speculate on any aspect of its outcome, particularly individual roles, given consultation has yet to conclude.”
