STRICTLY Come Dancing fans think they’ve figured out when this year’s lineup will be revealed.
The show has been plunged into crisis after female celebrities have shied away from the competition after it’s been rocked by scandals.
Graziano Di Prima was sacked ahead of the upcoming series following claims he hit, spat at and kicked Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals last year.
Just months before, Giovanni Pernice, 33, left the show under investigation by the BBC following allegations of misconduct made by Amanda Abbington. He denies the claims.
But fans of the show believe they know when the line up will be revealed – and it’s not far away.
“As some reports say that around July is the potential announcement of the line up. It’s already 2nd half of July and no announcement of celebs were taken,” one wrote on Reddit.
Another suggested that the show was “waiting for the dust to settle” before revealing the names.
An eagle-eyed fan pointed out that for the last three years it’s been announced on August 4.
A fourth wrote: “It’s always announced in August”, while a fifth agreed: “It will probably be in August.”
Insiders have reported that it’s been a “struggle” to convince celebs to sign up to the show, despite it being Strictly’s 20th anniversary.
“Usually it is the women who are more keen,” a television executive linked to the show told the Mail.
“But word has got around that it isn’t exactly a walk in the park, so getting them has a been a lot more challenging.
“There have been many conversations about how this is dealt with but the immediate problem is this year’s cast… There has been lots of swearing and frustration.”
New measures introduced include a chaperone production team member in rehearsal rooms at all times and increased welfare support.
Zara yesterday spoke out about her time on Strictly.
In a statement on Instagram, she said it was a “dream come true” being on the show but that her “experience inside the training room was very different”.
Chris McCausland – Comedian, 47
GK Barry – YouTube star, 24
Dave Fishwick – Businessman and TV star, 53
Martin Roberts – TV presenter, 60
Danny Cipriani – Rugby ace, 36
Roman Kemp – TV and radio presenter, 31
Hannah Waddingham – Actress, 49
Helen Worth – Actress, 73
Zara said: “I have wrestled with the fear of opening up — I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
“But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.”
Last night we revealed a third pro dancer has been identified as a “person of interest” amid the probe into Strictly.
Insiders said the name of the male dancer, who is no longer part of the BBC show, had been given to lawyers Carter Ruck.
A source said: “A professional’s name has come up, alongside Giovanni and Graziano.
“He is no longer part of the show but he has been named as a person of interest. Conversations are ongoing and there are more people who need to be spoken to.
“A dossier is being compiled which will be handed over to the BBC.
“What is becoming clear is that there appears to be a more widespread issue over the conduct of some of the professionals in training.
“And the more people who come forward, the clearer the picture is becoming.”
