Strictly Come Dancing is facing heightened caution from agency circles as the new series rolls out this weekend, with managers advising clients to turn down appearances amid a string of on- and off-screen scandals that critics say can 'break careers as well as make them.' The shift marks a stark change from the era when an appearance on the show was viewed as a potential career catalyst.
Over the past two seasons, high-profile incidents have shadowed the show. Actress Amanda Abbington accused dance partner Giovanni Pernice of abusive behavior during rehearsals (Pernice denies). Graziano di Prima was sacked after a video showed him kick Zara McDermott. Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans was axed from his BBC Wales breakfast show for inappropriate language during his Strictly stint. Jamie Borthwick was axed from EastEnders following a vile slur on the show. Reports of cocaine use behind the scenes and a drug probe have further contributed to a perception that joining Strictly carries significant risk. A talent agent close to the production told The Times that the show 'can break your career as well as make it,' and that more clients are now turning down the opportunity.
BBC sources and entertainment insiders have suggested the latest series faced challenges signing talent. A Daily Mail source said the Beeb had to expand its roster because there were mitigating circumstances and fewer offers on the table. It was reported that only three of 15 contestants had been approached before the current cycle, prompting the network to widen recruitment.
Vicky Pattison, known for Geordie Shore, said she had never been asked previously and was surprised to be considered; Dani Dyer, daughter of Danny Dyer, also expressed shock at her quick acceptance. They and other signings reflected a broader trend of the show courting a wider mix of stars.
Sources described the Beeb's approach as a bid to secure talent while managing risk. A close associate mentioned 'mitigating circumstances' in casting as producers sought to balance star power with reliability.
Alex Kingston, the theatre-turned-acting veteran, told a newspaper there has been a stigma around Strictly for years and that theatre actors have been reluctant to participate; she suggested attitudes are shifting as the show remains culturally significant.
The 2025 lineup includes Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey; Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston; Balvinder Sopal of EastEnders; La Voix, a drag performer; Thomas Skinner, a former Apprentice star; Vicky Pattison; Dani Dyer; Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink; Ellie Goldstein, a model and disability ambassador; Chris Robshaw; Stefan Dennis; Ross King; Lewis Cope, and others.
One contestant discussed personal history during promotion, acknowledging a past fling that he described as a moment of madness. The participant said the affair lasted only briefly, but it came to public attention in a way that underscored how personal missteps can reverberate in the glare of the show’s spotlight. Thomas Skinner, the Apprentice alum, later addressed a separate personal matter publicly, saying he had tried to move forward from a difficult period that had tested his marriage.
BBC spokespeople reiterated that there was no difference to the casting process this year and that the lineup reflects a strong mix of names. They said the process maintained its timescale and approach, while producers continued to balance audience appeal with editorial standards. The series is scheduled to begin airing this Saturday, and industry watchers will be watching to see whether the cautious approach yields the expected audience engagement without amplifying the controversies that have shadowed the program in recent years.