The Strictly ‘curse’ always used to refer to relationships that imploded after celebrities appear on the hit BBC show. But it now seems the show itself is jinxed, as it has been hit by scandal after scandal in the past couple of years.
Last week, it hit the headlines again for all the wrong reasons after a video was leaked of 2024 contestant Jamie Borthwick playing with a sex toy, which he claimed co-star Wynne Evans had sent to him ‘as a joke’. The footage, taken backstage during the tour in January, was shared to the Strictly WhatsApp group – with some cast members not appreciating the crass humour, and BBC bosses reportedly reprimanding the pair when they found out.
And a source tells heat that the BBC may be forced to do some reflection on the show and its backstage culture as it is struggling to sign stars for the next series, which is due to kick off in autumn. Our insider says, ‘There are growing concerns among producers about the future of Strictly. For two decades now, it’s been the jewel in the crown for the BBC and has been seen as the most popular entertainment show in the country. But over the last couple of years, it’s been tarnished by scandal after scandal.
‘There’s been one thing after another, and it’s got so bad, there’s a feeling the show is jinxed. Many people who work on it have been saying how it feels like there’s a black cloud hanging over it. The latest scandal involving Wynne and Jamie is just the latest in a long line of blows.’
Wynne, 53, was axed from the series’ tour earlier this year after it was alleged that he had made lewd comments towards It Takes Two host Janette Manrara, although he has denied the comment was aimed at her. He said at the time, ‘I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused.’ He was also accused of being too handsy with dance partner Katya Jones during his time on the show, although they both insisted nothing inappropriate happened.
Last year was particularly difficult for the show’s producers as they aired their milestone 20th anniversary series amid the fallout of scandals involving 2023 couples Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice, and Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima. Giovanni, 34, left the show during an investigation into his conduct after Amanda, 51, lodged complaints. The BBC cleared Giovanni of 11 of the complaints – including the most serious – but did uphold six. Giovanni has denied allegations of abusive or threatening behaviour. Meanwhile, the investigation uncovered footage of Graziano, 30, kicking his celeb partner Zara, 28, leading to him also being cut from the show’s pro line-up. Graziano apologised for the incident, saying he ‘deeply regrets’ it.
‘After all the scandals, the concern among producers and BBC top brass is how they are going to attract celebrities to take part,’ the source says. ‘Once, landing a slot on Strictly could make your career, but now it’s seeming to break careers. Lots of celebrities are wondering if it’s really worth the risk.’
Adding to the show’s woes is the news that their celebrity booker Stefania Aleksander has stepped down to a part-time role ahead of the new series. The first names linked to this year’s series are comedian Jon Richardson and Drag Race star Tayce – who won last year’s Christmas special. Our source adds, ‘The BBC now faces a struggle to snap up stars. They might have to offer more money, but there isn’t a bottomless bucket of cash. The contestants also have to be the right names to draw in viewers and make it entertaining. This series is the hardest so far for the producers tasked with pulling it together.
‘They’ll need to pull out all the stops to ensure they can deliver a set of contestants worth watching each weekend. But there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to do it.’
