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Inside the battle to save Strictly: Revolting slur that’s caused ‘terrible fear’ over contestants’ behaviour exposed by KATIE HIND – as insiders leak list of who bosses are desperate to sign up

BBG News

Frenzied discussions are currently happening at Broadcasting House, a well-known BBC London headquarters situated close to Regent Street.

As I, a dedicated follower, eagerly anticipate the final touches on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing celebrity line-up, the decision-makers behind the scenes are wrestling with their choices, agonizing over who to bring aboard for the big dance-off.

At first glance, everything seems routine. However, this year has introduced an unusually high level of tense and complex challenges due to directives coming from the highest levels that cause unease. In simpler terms, it’s been a rollercoaster ride full of anxious twists and turns.

The producers have advised that no star hired as a contestant should tarnish the reputation of the long-standing show.

It’s common knowledge that the recent scandals associated with Strictly Come Dancing, a program highly valued by the BBC, have cast shadows over the last two seasons, tarnishing an otherwise prestigious show.

Over the weekend, when things seemed to have reached their lowest point, BBC officials were informed about a shocking video obtained by The Sun. In this video, Jamie Borthwick, a former contestant and also an actor on their popular soap opera EastEnders from last year, is seen using a derogatory term against people with disabilities. This revelation, particularly damaging for the BBC, adds to their existing troubles.

30-year-old actor Borthwick, known for portraying Jay Brown on EastEnders since 2006, was spotted using the derogatory term “mopes” to refer to the inhabitants of Blackpool, where the Strictly Come Dancing team filmed their special episode last November.

On Saturday evening, Borthwick offered numerous apologies, expressing in a statement: ‘I offer no justification, but I genuinely didn’t grasp the offensive nature and definition of the phrase I employed.’ However, he has been temporarily barred from EastEnders as executives look into the matter.

This is the second inquiry the BBC has mounted into stars from last year’s series.

A little over a week ago, I found myself sharing the news about opera singer and television personality Wynne Evans, who recently parted ways with his broadcaster after making an inappropriate “spit-roast” remark directed towards professional dancer and It Takes Two host, Janette Manrara. As a lifestyle expert, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of respectful communication and understanding its impact on our interactions, particularly in public settings.

Previously, eyebrows were arched when Evans, known for hosting BBC Radio Wales and gaining initial popularity from Go Compare TV commercials, was spotted placing his hand on dance partner Katya Jones’ waist, which she quickly moved away from.

He was axed following an investigation that went wider than his behaviour on Strictly.

The 2023 series was also marred by controversy.

Actress Amanda Abbington asserted that professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, known for his work on Strictly, had behaved in a bullying manner towards her. This led to an investigation by the BBC’s Human Resources team. Ultimately, Pernice was found not guilty of the most serious accusations.

During the same performance, another pro dancer, Graziano di Prima, was dismissed following an incident where he kicked his famous dance partner and television personality, Zara McDermott, during practice sessions.

It’s no surprise that there’s growing apprehension at Broadcasting House regarding the roster of celebrities for the upcoming show, set to debut in September.

One source from within the BBC shared their concerns about a persistent threat to the show’s reputation, stating ‘There is an overwhelming dread among the higher-ups that these regrettable incidents will continue to occur.’ To mitigate this risk, they are implementing thorough investigations and background checks on potential stars to ensure they don’t inadvertently select individuals who could tarnish the program.

For a considerable period, there was infamously known as the “Strictly curse,” with contestants and professionals frequently getting involved romantically. However, this trend seems to have ceased. Adjustments were implemented in the partnering system, which appears to have been effective in addressing the issue.

In the last few years, there have been other problems as well. However, what has been particularly mortifying for the BBC is that Wynne and Jamie, both stars nurtured in-house, have been involved in these issues.

In the future, those in leadership aim for a positive, healthy public perception. They’re determined to avoid any scandals and instead, project happiness and positivity.

As a dedicated follower, I’m thrilled about my bosses’ endeavor to streamline things, and I believe their decision to bring on board a fresh talent booker, yours truly (Jasmine Fox), will significantly aid this process. Previously, Stefania Aleksander, a seasoned BBC employee for seven years, held this position before her recent departure a few months back.

In my line of work as a lifestyle expert, I’ve been fortunate enough to forge deep connections with several notable figures during their stints on various shows, and these bonds have continued to flourish past the limelight.

It’s reported that the fox is looking for participants who are clean-living and sincere, and it appears that two potential celebrities being considered are Joel Mawhinney and Shini Muthukrishnan from Blue Peter.

The pair have been secretly dating for a year, as the Mail recently revealed.

My source confided that there’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing two Blue Peter hosts in a loving relationship, as they exude charm and cuteness beyond measure. The likelihood of them stirring up any trouble is virtually nonexistent. Moreover, their presence would greatly benefit Blue Peter, providing it with a much-needed lift – a move that would undoubtedly be advantageous for the BBC.

Discussions are reported about the possibility of The Queen’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, television personality Georgia Toffolo (also known as “Toff”), Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts, former Love Island star Dani Dyer, and ex-Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.

Currently, discussions at the BBC indicate that the show has been having trouble filling the role of a top public relations officer, who is responsible for handling media matters. Given the series of scandals over the past two years, it’s understandable that finding someone for this position might be challenging.

A BBC source shares that the same woman from last year declines the task, finding it an overwhelming ordeal given all the potential complications.

The ‘Wynne and Katya Hand Incident’ turned into a chaotic, challenging situation for the public relations team. It escalated into a battle of information leaks, with some individuals disregarding protocol and disseminating sensitive data. It was quite problematic.

After a potential candidate for the publicist role decided to join ITV instead, they’ve struggled to find a replacement. It seems like one challenge follows another lately, and it’s unfortunate that things have been this way for the past couple of years.

Last year’s Strictly series had difficulties securing female contestants, allegedly due to the fallout from Di Prima’s high-profile dismissal and the ongoing inquiry concerning Pernice.

Certain individuals within the corporation believe, quietly, that the BBC’s persistent marketing of Strictly Come Dancing may have created problems for itself in the future.

It’s been emphasized that strictness has grown significantly important, almost to the point where it faces an extremely rigorous examination.

And that, in turn, has made it even harder to get the right contestants.

But a BBC insider insisted the show remains in good health despite recent controversies.

As a devoted admirer, I consider it an immense privilege to be gracing Strictly Come Dancing’s stage. It stands tall as the nation’s premier show, and landing a spot on it is nothing short of a significant achievement. With its unique ability to catapult careers with skillful execution, I eagerly anticipate this incredible opportunity.

Similarly to Jamie Borthwick’s character from EastEnders, it sometimes seems that instead of having a positive impact, things may take a turn for the worse.

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2025-06-09 03:34

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