Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly tightening the reins on this year’s line-up following a series of damaging controversies that have threatened to overshadow the glitz and glamour of the BBC’s flagship entertainment show.
With a fresh series looming this autumn, insiders claim there is a “terrible, terrible fear” at the BBC that further scandal could undermine the programme’s reputation. This has prompted a rigorous new approach to casting, with producers said to be performing enhanced vetting of prospective celebrity contestants to avoid another PR disaster.
In recent months, Strictly has found itself under unwelcome scrutiny. Just days ago, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick — who competed in the last series — was suspended by the broadcaster after allegedly making a derogatory remark about disabled people while filming in Blackpool.
That incident followed an ongoing internal BBC investigation into Giovanni Pernice. The long-serving professional dancer came under fire after his 2023 partner, actress Amanda Abbington, accused him of bullying and intimidating behaviour during rehearsals. Pernice denies any wrongdoing, but the row has sparked wider questions about the show’s culture behind the scenes.
The furore intensified in May, when BBC Radio Wales host Wynne Evans was axed from his show following lewd comments he made about Strictly’s It Takes Two host Janette Manrara during a live tour launch event in December. Despite issuing a public apology, the BBC opted not to renew his contract.
With the stakes higher than ever, producers are now believed to be prioritising “wholesome” and controversy-free contestants to help the show return to its light-hearted roots.
“The mood behind the scenes is tense,” one BBC source told MailOnline. “There’s a real sense that Strictly can’t afford another scandal. There’s a terrible, terrible fear that more of these sorts of incidents will just keep happening — and ultimately damage the show’s reputation beyond repair.”
In response, those in charge have implemented stringent background checks for all potential stars. “They’re digging deep into the past of everyone they’re considering,” the source added. “It’s no longer just about star power or dance ability — it’s about character.”
Among the names tipped for the 2025 line-up are Blue Peter presenters Joel Mawhinney and Shini Muthukrishnan, both of whom bring family-friendly appeal and a clean image. Also rumoured to be in discussions is food critic Tom Parker Bowles, son of Queen Camilla, which would mark a rare royal-adjacent casting coup for the series.
Reality TV favourites are also said to be in the running. I’m A Celebrity winner Georgia Toffolo and former Love Island contestant Dani Dyer, now newly married, are both on producers’ radar. Former Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan and Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts are also reportedly being considered.
“For years, the talk was about the ‘Strictly curse’ — all those flings and relationships between contestants and dancers,” said the insider. “That was damaging enough, but it’s what’s happened since that’s really shaken things. What’s even more embarrassing is that these latest controversies have involved the BBC’s own talent.”
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Producers are now said to be keen to restore the show’s sparkling image and refocus on what it does best — bringing joy to millions with dazzling routines and heartwarming stories.
“There’s a concerted effort to bring back the fun, the feel-good factor. No more scandals — just glitter, sequins, and a bit of harmless escapism,” the source said.
The BBC has yet to officially confirm any names for this year’s line-up, and a spokesperson for Strictly Come Dancing declined to comment when approached by The Standard.
The new series is expected to begin in September, with the full line-up traditionally revealed in the weeks leading up to launch.
