Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly set for a “fresh start” next season as fan-favourite dancers are at risk of being axed for “younger, up-and-coming” stars.
Earlier this year, the Strictly’s The Professionals tour had been cancelled due to the misconduct probe.
A source close to the production revealed to The Sun at the time that the tour was cancelled after the allegations.
Now, it’s reported that some of the show’s biggest stars are at risk of being axed in a huge shake-up as the bosses are looking for younger talent.
The Sun understands that those most at risk are Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez and Katya Jones.
A source told the publication: “The review of the line-up has always been about making a fresh start, and that was always going to be affected by which dancers performed well this series.”
“The feeling is that the Strictly troupe is made up of some fading stars, while others are rising stars.”
“And in many cases, there are certain characters whose shoes can easily be filled with younger, up-and-coming counterparts. It’s harsh but it’s just part of the traditional turnover of showbusiness,” the insider added.
Earlier this year in the height of the misconduct scandal, it was also reported some of Strictly’s biggest professional names were at risk of being axed.
A source told The Sun at the time: “There’s the fear that being on the show leaves them more open to feeling entitled and untouchable.”
“It’s not a done deal, and it’s not just going to be a case of the oldest or longest-serving being shown the door. It would be a carefully considered process, with other factors taken into account too.”
They added: “The fact that the BBC are even considering making big changes and bringing in fresh blood is a sign of how keen they are to move on and make every effort to ensure nothing like this happens again.”
