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BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2025 'line-up leaked' as bosses face 'fear' ahead of new series
BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2025 'line-up leaked' as bosses face 'fear' ahead of new series
The BBC are said to be taking no risks with the 2025 line-up of Strictly Come Dancing as they are desperate to avoid any scandal ahead of the new series
"Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour 2025" in january (L-R) Kai Widdrington, Jamie Borthwick, Robbie Kmetoni, Aljaž Škorjanec, Wynne Evans, Carlos Gu, Janette Manrara, JB Gill, Nikita Kuzmin, Shayne Ward and Neil Jones.
(Image: Getty Images )
BBC chiefs are reportedly gripped by a "terrible, terrible fear" that Strictly Come Dancing could be marred by scandal once more this year, prompting them to vet contestants rigorously for the upcoming series. The popular dance show has been hit by startling headlines in recent times, and the latest incident involves EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, who is participating in the 2024 series.
He was suspended by the BBC for using an offensive term towards disabled individuals during filming in Blackpool.
This follows the controversy surrounding Giovanni Pernice, after his dance partner Amanda Abbington accused him of bullying and aggressive behaviour, leading the broadcaster to initiate an internal probe. In May, radio presenter Wynne Evans announced his departure from the BBC following the non-renewal of his contract.
Evans had previously issued an apology for what he termed an "inappropriate and unacceptable" comment made at the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing live tour in December, which was directed at professional dancer and It Takes Two host Janette Manrara.
In an effort to avoid any further issues, the BBC is determined to ensure a 'risk-free' line-up for the next season. Among those being considered are Blue Peter hosts Joel Mawhinney and Shini Muthukrishnan, as well as Tom Parker Bowles, son of Queen Camilla, reports the Mirror.
Georgia Toffolo, the queen of I'm a Celebrity Jungle, is rumoured to be in the running, as is Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts. Reports suggest that newlywed and former Love Island star Dani Dyer is under consideration, with ex-Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan also on the list of potential candidates.
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"There is a terrible, terrible fear among those high up that these awful things are going to keep happening and the show will be brought into disrepute again and again," a BBC insider is reported to have revealed to MailOnline. "With that in mind, they are taking no chances.
"Stringent checks will be carried out, along with inquiries and investigations into the backgrounds of potential stars to ensure that no one who could tarnish the show's reputation is chosen. For years, there was the infamous Strictly 'curse', where contestants and professionals were embroiled in affairs. But that has ceased.
"Changes were made to the partnerships and it worked. However, there have been other issues in recent years. What's even more embarrassing for the BBC is that Wynne and Jamie are from their own roster of stars. Moving forward, those at the helm want a wholesome image to prevail. No more scandal – just joy."
Over the weekend, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick expressed his deep regret for using a derogatory term about disabled people. This shocking revelation comes six months after his stint on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing - which is when the alleged incident is believed to have occurred.
The actor, aged 30, has been a fixture on EastEnders since 2006, portraying the character Jay Brown. However, he is currently suspended from the soap following the emergence of a video in which he uses offensive language, allegedly shared amongst friends.
He has issued a heartfelt apology, as reported by The Sun on Sunday, stating: "I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly.
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"I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused. It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely.
"Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong."
He further extended his apologies to the people of Blackpool and reiterated his regret over his choice of words. A representative of the star was contacted by The Mirror for comment.
