The BBC are mentioned to be taking no dangers with the 2025 line-up of Strictly Come Dancing as they’re determined to keep away from any scandal forward of the brand new collection
BBC chiefs are reportedly gripped by a “horrible, horrible worry” that Strictly Come Dancing could possibly be marred by scandal as soon as extra this yr, prompting them to vet contestants rigorously for the upcoming collection. The favored dance present has been hit by startling headlines in current occasions, and the most recent incident includes EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, who’s collaborating within the 2024 collection.
He was suspended by the BBC for utilizing an offensive time period in direction of disabled people throughout filming in Blackpool.
This follows the controversy surrounding Giovanni Pernice, after his dance associate Amanda Abbington accused him of bullying and aggressive behaviour, main the broadcaster to provoke an inner probe. In Might, radio presenter Wynne Evans introduced his departure from the BBC following the non-renewal of his contract.
Evans had beforehand issued an apology for what he termed an “inappropriate and unacceptable” remark made on the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing reside tour in December, which was directed at skilled dancer and It Takes Two host Janette Manrara.
In an effort to keep away from any additional points, the BBC is set to make sure a ‘risk-free’ line-up for the following season. Amongst these being thought-about are Blue Peter hosts Joel Mawhinney and Shini Muthukrishnan, in addition to Tom Parker Bowles, son of Queen Camilla, stories the Mirror.
Georgia Toffolo, the queen of I am a Celeb Jungle, is rumoured to be within the working, as is Ladies Aloud’s Nicola Roberts. Studies recommend that newlywed and former Love Island star Dani Dyer is into account, with ex-Coronation Road actress Helen Flanagan additionally on the record of potential candidates.
“There’s a horrible, horrible worry amongst these excessive up that these terrible issues are going to maintain occurring and the present might be introduced into disrepute time and again,” a BBC insider is reported to have revealed to MailOnline. “With that in thoughts, they’re taking no possibilities.
“Stringent checks might be carried out, together with inquiries and investigations into the backgrounds of potential stars to make sure that nobody who may tarnish the present’s fame is chosen. For years, there was the notorious Strictly ‘curse’, the place contestants and professionals had been embroiled in affairs. However that has ceased.
“Modifications had been made to the partnerships and it labored. Nonetheless, there have been different points lately. What’s much more embarrassing for the BBC is that Wynne and Jamie are from their very own roster of stars. Transferring ahead, these on the helm desire a healthful picture to prevail. No extra scandal – simply pleasure.”
Over the weekend, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick expressed his deep remorse for utilizing a derogatory time period about disabled folks. This surprising 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. Nonetheless, he’s at the moment suspended from the cleaning soap following the emergence of a video during which he makes use of offensive language, allegedly shared amongst buddies.
He has issued a heartfelt apology, as reported by The Solar on Sunday, stating: “I need to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the phrases I used within the video exhibiting my response to creating it via Blackpool week on Strictly.
“I’m deeply sorry for any offence and upset my phrases and actions have prompted. It’s no excuse, however I didn’t totally perceive the derogatory time period I used and its which means. That’s on me utterly.
“Now I’m conscious, I’m deeply embarrassed to have used the time period and directed it in the way in which I did. It was incorrect.”
He additional prolonged his apologies to the folks of Blackpool and reiterated his remorse over his alternative of phrases. A consultant of the star was contacted by The Mirror for remark.
