Ahead of the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, industry sources say managers are advising clients to decline invitations to appear on the BBC dance competition, arguing the show can now 'break careers as well as make them'.
Over the past two series, Strictly has been rocked by a string of incidents, including Amanda Abbington accusing dance partner Giovanni Pernice of abuse during rehearsals; a video showing Graziano di Prima kicking Zara McDermott during a rehearsal; Wynne Evans being axed from his BBC Wales breakfast show after using inappropriate language during his stint on Strictly; and Jamie Borthwick being dropped from EastEnders after a vile slur made during the competition. Media reports have also described cocaine use behind the scenes and a drug probe being launched.
A showbiz agent told The Times that it 'just isn't worth the risk for some people' and that more clients are turning down offers as the latest series approaches. The agent added that the landscape around Strictly has shifted, with managers advising a more cautious approach given the recent controversies. A Strictly spokesperson emphasized that there was no change to the casting process this year, stating that the show continues to attract a strong and diverse mix of names.
Sources close to the production described the run-up to the new series as challenging for talent recruitment, with BBC executives reportedly expanding the roster to accommodate potential withdrawals and mitigating circumstances. One industry insider said that only three of the 15 contestants had been approached before the current cycle, underscoring a broader effort to broaden the pool of applicants amid scrutiny.
The announced lineup for 2025 features a cross-section of public-facing figures, including Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, 36; Alex Kingston, 62; Balvinder Sopal, 46; La Voix, 45; Thomas Skinner, 34; Vicky Pattison, 37; Karen Carney, 38; George Clark, 25; Dani Dyer, 29; Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 53; Ellie Goldstein, 23; Chris Robshaw, 39; Stefan Dennis, 66; Ross King, 63; and Lewis Cope, 30. The mix underscores the show’s enduring appeal to audiences while highlighting the ongoing tension between star power and reputational risk.
Some contestants publicly described their surprise at how quickly they were signed, with Dani Dyer telling the Mail she was shocked by the speed of the process. Others noted the opportunity as potentially career-defining, even as industry chatter acknowledges the show has become a higher-stakes proposition than in the past. Amid the controversy, fans remain eager for the return of the ballroom, and producers have signaled confidence in delivering a high-energy season that preserves Strictly’s signature appeal while navigating a more cautious talent landscape.