Strictly Come Dancing is poised for its return to the BBC amid growing unease among its long-standing hosts, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, over the recent controversies surrounding the show's professional dancers.
The pair are said to be deeply concerned about the fallout from the dismissals of Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice. Di Prima admitted to an incident in which he kicked Zara McDermott during rehearsals, while Pernice faces allegations of abusive behaviour from Amanda Abbington, which he strongly denies.
According to a source, Daly and Winkleman have been in "panic talks" and fear for their own reputations. They have reportedly made a pact that if one decides to leave, the other will follow. Daly, 55, has hosted the programme since its launch in 2004, with Winkleman, 52, joining in 2014.
Their close friendship, with Daly describing Winkleman as her "mate" and "sister", has been a source of support during the crisis. The show is still expected to begin its new series in September.
BBC Director General Tim Davie has apologised and confirmed that protocols are being reviewed, stressing that "unacceptable behaviour of any kind" will not be tolerated. Meanwhile, show bosses are reportedly desperate to ensure the presenters remain, acknowledging that "there is no Strictly without them".
