Tensions are said to be running high behind the scenes at Strictly Come Dancing after BBC producers brought in five new dancers ahead of the new series.
The long-running show will return to BBC One with a brand new look for the 24th series in September after drafting in seasoned presenter Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdecombe and Strictly veteran Johannes Radebe to replace fan favourites Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
But behind the scenes at Elstree Studios, it has been claimed that things are 'more competitive and cut-throat than ever' after younger dancers were also recruited in a further revamp ahead of its imminent launch - leaving some of the show's more experienced professionals concerned about their long-term futures.
New recruits and returning favourites
Mark Karmalita, Maddie Ingoldsby, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi and Aleksandra Isaeva have joined the Strictly Come Dancing cast - leaving some older professionals 'fearing for their jobs'.
A source told The Sun: “It’s tense at rehearsals and some of the older cast members of the pro dance troupe are worried that they won’t get their opportunity to shine this year. It’s more competitive and cut-throat than ever.
“Like always, there are more dancers than celebrities again, so not everyone will get a partner. Plus, viewers are keen to get to know the new dancers, especially as change is the theme of the new-look show this year.”
A raft of changes has resulted in show regulars Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk, Gorka Marquez and Nadiya Bychkova being replaced with fresher talent - but fellow professionals Katya Jones, Aljaz Skorjanec, Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Nancy Gu, Nikita Guzmin and Vito Coppola are all expected to return.
They will be joined by relative unknowns Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita after BBC bosses unveiled their new recruits in July. The source added: “The celebrity pairings will be made up of old and new pro dancers.”
Format changes and launch details
An additional change to the format will see the pre-recorded clips typically used to reveal each celebrity pairing scrapped. Instead, the show will revert to the same live studio announcements it utilized before the pandemic in 2020.
In recent years, the launch show had seen the Strictly celebs head to locations across the country to meet the pro dancer they would be partnered with for the rest of the competition.
The news was revealed on Radio Northampton when Graeme Hall, one of this year's contestants, said: "This year, they're doing it slightly differently. We don't find out until the launch show. You have no say in it, the pros have no say in it."
The pre-recorded launch show is set to air on 19 September, the week before the live shows begin.
The crop of celebs taking part this year are Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Jaime Winstone, Will Best, Sean Wright-Phillips, Bethany Antonia, Graeme Hall, Lawrence Robb, John Nellis, Tabby Stoecker, Dame Sarah Storey and Melanie Walters.
Past controversy and responses
BBC bosses will be hoping to avoid the negativity that has surrounded Strictly over recent years, notably allegations of backstage harassment and bullying.
Former contestant Amanda Abbington recently hit back after dance partner Giovanni Pernice said that he had suicidal thoughts over her bullying allegations.
The Sherlock actress, 54, took part in the competition in 2023, where she was partnered with the champion, 35. Viewers were stunned when she quit just weeks into the competition, and she later alleged that she was suffering from PTSD, accusing the pro of bullying and harassment.
He fiercely denied all claims, with BBC bosses investigating 16 allegations - he was cleared on 10 counts while six were upheld. The broadcaster also issued an apology to the star.
Pernice spoke about his experience in his new memoir, Taking The Lead, where he claimed that he was left a ‘burnt-out shell’ after their fall-out, and battling a deep depression.
In response, Abbington told the Sun: “It’s sad, though not surprising, that Giovanni is continuing down this route. He took part in the BBC investigation that made findings against him, following which the channel paid me compensation.
“He is grossly mischaracterising what happened to suit his own narrative, but I have no interest in engaging with that. My focus is on moving forward.”
A friend of the actress added: “Amanda will forever regard Giovanni as a monster. She stands by her allegations - she’s not the only one who was a victim of his behaviour.”
The Mirror has contacted reps for BBC for a comment.
