STRICTLY bosses are reportedly making a surprise U-turn on a strict show rule – just days before the scandal-hit series returns.
The much-loved BBC One show has been thrown into turmoil over controversy surrounding the behaviour of some of its professional dancers in recent months.
This includes Giovanni Pernice, who denies any wrong doing, as well as Graziano Di Prima, who has been sacked and is said to be suing the channel for unfair dismissal.
So, for the latest series, Strictly’s pros have been instructed to ditch their intense training methods for a more relaxed approach.
With booze and sex previously banned among castmembers, show insiders have revealed “the reins are off” and it’s going to be a free-for-all.
One told the Express: “There is a feeling in the camp that the celebrities just want to have fun this year and due to all the dramas of last year, show bosses and dancers aren’t putting pressure on celebrities and keep reiterating that it’s a fun show, and to just enjoy the ride.
“Pete Wicks is known for his wild partying ways and has already been rubbing off on the other celebrities.
“Once upon a time, stars would slap bans on booze and sex, but this year the reins are off. If there’s going to be a year where the stars end up partying – this is it.”
The BBC has been contacted for comment.
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will begin on September 14, with a glittering show dance to welcome back cancer-stricken Amy Dowden and videos showing the pro dancers meeting their celebrity partners.
Those taking part alongisde Pete include Chris McCausland, JB Gill, Wynne Evans, Toyah Willcox, Dr Punam Krishan, Tasha Ghouri, Shayne Ward, Sarah Hadland, Jamie Borthwick, Tom Dean MBE, Montell Douglas aka Fire, Nick Knowles, Paul Merson and Sam Quek MBE.
While the Beeb are hoping this year’s series goes off without a hitch, they have been forced to add new duty of care procedures into rehearsals.
After an official complaint was lodged against Giovanni in May by his 2023 partner Amanda Abbington, a probe into the professional dancers’ conduct has been ongoing.
This has led to the series implementing chaperones in the rehearsal rooms with the celebrities and dancers while they prepare for each week.
While the results of the probe are yet to be announced, it is believed the BBC are eager to put the situation to bed before the series kicks off.
As a result it’s expected the investigation’s findings will be revealed some time in the next week.
WITH Strictly's 20th anniversary special airing in September, The Sun takes a look at which celebs have been confirmed for the new series:
Meanwhile, Giovanni, who quit the show ahead of the news of complaints coming to light, has announced he has found new work on the Italian version of the show.
Making the announcement on Saturday afternoon, Giovanni thanked fans for their ongoing support, revealing the news in both English and Italian.
He is expected to join the upcoming series of the show.
Giovanni also maintains his innocence and has vowed to clear his name of the allegations made by Amanda, who branded his teaching style ‘disastrously unworkable’ and ‘bullying’.
Graziano, who was fired for ‘gross misconduct’ after footage from a rehearsal with Zara McDermott came to light as part of the investigation, is also fighting back.
He’s launching his own official complaint against the BBC, lawyering up to prepare a claim for unfair dismissal.
