Strictly Come Dancing crisis as show called 'out of control' behind the scenes

Strictly Come Dancing has faced an endless string of controversies over the last couple of years, and there are fears the show is irreparable. From claims of bullying, "toxic culture", kicking and more recently, allegations made relating to drug use, the BBC have been plagued with internal investigations, some of which saw stars leave the show.

Celebrities have been under fire after behind-the-scenes comments, professionals axed after allegations made from partners, it's been the centre of a lot of scandal.

Even before the allegations started, particularly with Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington in 2023, which saw her quit the show, the dance show was regularly painted as having a "curse" with relationships due to cheating allegations.

But now concern has been raised for its future.

Insiders' perspective suggests that the damage has well and truly been done. A source told Daily Express: "I don't know how much time Strictly has left. Lots of celebrities just will not go near it, they don't think they'll be looked after."

They added: "Strictly is a ticking time bomb. It really is. It's scary to see after all that's happened over the last few years."

The reputation of the programme has tainted the sparkle for some celebrities, who previously would have been desperate to sign up for the prime-time TV show.

In August, a former Strictly star was arrested on suspicion of rape and intimate image abuse, in a case that is sitll under investigation; while the BBC stressed he wasn't returning, it has tainted the show for many stars.

An additional source previously told Express: "When you've got police cases hanging over the show, it doesn't matter how much money is on offer. No one wants to step onto that dancefloor."

The source explained that there were some "massive" offers on the table, six figures for some, but it "wasn't enough".

The show did manage to fill its line-up of celebs dancing for the Glitterball Trophy, and even had Amber Davies able to step in at the last minute after Dani Dyer was forced to pull out due to an injury.

Despite controversy plaguing the show, it has still been pulling in the figures, but as more people speak out on their experience, it does beg the question if it will continue in its former prime.

A Strictly spokesperson said: "We don't recognise the claims of this anonymous source, and we strongly doubt that they have any connection to or knowledge of the series."