STRICTLY bosses are currently “locked in crisis meetings over the new series” as they struggle to sign up female contestants.
Earlier this week pro dancer 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.
Yesterday Zara issued a lengthy statement that said she was “scared to speak out” in fear of being “victim shamed”.
The recent chaos has now caused top female celebrities to shy away from the BBC dance competition.
Insiders have said that it’s been a “struggle” to get famous faces 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.
“Not only is it an opportunity to get dressed up but appearing on Strictly is also much more fortuitous for females’ careers than men’s.
“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.”
Insiders have said that BBC and Strictly bosses met over the weekend in a bid to save the show’s reputation.
One said: “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.”
While another told the publication: “It is starting to feel a little bit dire. It was supposed to be smashing this year, it’s such a big series. There is huge pressure.”
At this point in the year, a number of celebrity names would usually have been leaked into the public.
But fast forward 12 months and the line-up for the upcoming series has been kept closely under wraps, with no female names in the mix so far.
In a move to reassure future contestants, yesterday Strictly bosses announced drastic measures to safeguard contestants.
Executives rushed to toughen up its duty of care rules after the scandal-hit show was thrown into chaos in recent months.
In May Giovanni Pernice, 33, left the show under investigation by the BBC following allegations of misconduct made by Amanda Abbington. He denies the claims.
Last week, his co-star Graziano was let go following an internal investigation into a number of physical incidents involving Zara, who was coupled up with him last year on the show.
Going forward the BBC says there will be a “production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times”.
There is also plans to “increase existing support with the addition of two new roles on the show dedicated to welfare support – a Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer.”
In addition to this the BBC said they would be delivering training for all the production team and crew working on the show in a bid to stop a repeat of allegations which have come to light in recent weeks.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, said: “Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act.
“Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals.
“The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production.”
It was revealed those who watched rehearsal footage were left in “tears”.
Graziano issued a statement which read: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.”
Zara deleted a post praising the professional dancer for his “work ethic” and said they had shared “laughter every single day”.
She said in her statement: “I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.
“Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.
“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.”
Zara insisted that the Strictly production team and everyone behind the scenes were “amazing to work with”.
However she added that her “experience inside the training room was very different” and said: “There were witnesses to some events as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.”
Zara signed off: “I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara.”
