Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly 'embarrassed' after a new professional allegedly handed out free tickets to fans via social media group chats, causing an 'unwelcome headache' ahead of the new series.
Cristian Priori, 34, is one of five professional newcomers to the ballroom and will appear on the BBC One Saturday night favourite from September, when celebrities including EastEnders icon Lacey Turner, singer Delta Goodrem and Kim Kardashian's hairdresser Chris Appleton put their footwork to the test.
According to insiders, Cristian's interactions with fans have caused tension behind the scenes, especially at a time when the show was meant to be a 'fresh start' following a wave of changes.
Source: 'It's an embarrassing distraction'
A source said: "The BBC have come down hard on Cristian and are surprised how naïve he's been to get involved in a situation like this. It's been an unwelcome headache ahead of the series, which was meant to be a fresh start. It's an embarrassing distraction and serious conversations have been had to ensure this won't happen again."
Speaking to The Sun, the source added: "These fans seem wide-eyed and starstruck by Cristian. They're openly stating he's their favourite despite the series not having begun and are enamoured with having direct contact with someone whose profile is set to explode."
In screenshots obtained by the outlet, a message that appears to be from Cristian reads: "Can I give my tickets to who I want?" and someone replies THANK YOU. In a caption written over the screengrab, someone wrote: "if it was anyone else, you'd jump at the opportunity."
Fan describes 'most magical day'
In another post that appeared on social media, one fan implied she had been invited to a Strictly pre-record as she spoke of "the most magical day" that was all a "dream come true." She added: "I honestly can't thank Cristian enough for everything it was definitely the bestest day everrr [sic]."
Four-time Italian Latin Champion Cristian has been one of the world's top Latin dancers for eight years in a row. He was a Rising Star Latin Finalist at the Blackpool Dance Festival and an Open World Latin Semi-Finalist, and has been dancing since he was 13.
Cristian is known for his "talent, discipline, and remarkable consistency at the top of international dance". His casting came after a mass cull of professionals which saw Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas asked to leave. Joining Cristian as the new pros are Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingolsby, Aleksandra Isaeva, and Mark Karmalita.
Cristian: 'Saying yes to Strictly was an easy decision'
"Saying yes to Strictly was an easy decision. Dance has always been my way of expressing myself, and I'm so excited to begin this new chapter", he said.
"I'm ready to give my all, enjoy every moment of this amazing journey, and embrace everything it has to offer. Strictly is where passion, hard work and entertainment come together, so being part of it is a real privilege."
The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment.
