The BBC has dismissed claims that Strictly Come Dancing bosses were worried about contestants using weight loss medication. The 2025 series is set to begin shortly, with 15 celebrities including Alex Kingston, Dani Dyer, and George Clarke competing for the Glitterball Trophy.
Reports from The Sun suggested that five unnamed contestants had been taking weight loss jabs such as Mounjaro, Ozempic, or Wegovy. An insider claimed that producers were concerned about the demanding schedule, which involves up to eight hours of rehearsal daily, five days a week, for up to four months.
A BBC spokesperson told Metro: 'Whilst we wouldn’t comment on personal matters of this nature, we are not aware of anything to support these claims.' The source added that the BBC would continue monitoring contestants' health and act if any signs of illness or physical struggle emerged.
The NHS notes that weight management medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The series has already faced a setback with Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn withdrawing due to medical reasons, replaced by Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on September 20, 2025.
