Strictly Come Dancing producers have reportedly given this year's professional dancers a tightened set of behavioural guidelines, including bans on swearing, excessive drinking and what has been described as "inappropriate" clothing, as the BBC seeks to shore up the family entertainment show following months of controversy.
The Sun and the Daily Mail reported the refreshed rules, which are said to also include tighter social media restrictions, were issued ahead of the new series that begins on Sept. 20. According to the reports, the document reiterates that dancers must maintain a family-friendly image and avoid sexually explicit or innuendo-heavy content.
A source quoted by The Sun said the guidance sets out explicit behavioural expectations, including no swearing on or off camera, no "adult content/humour," and a prohibition on showing alcohol being consumed "irresponsibly." The reports said the contracts have been "refreshed" rather than rewritten, and that professionals have long been subject to contractual standards.
The move follows a string of incidents that have brought the long-running celebrity dance competition under scrutiny. This year, presenter Wynne Evans was dismissed by the BBC after being accused of making an inappropriate remark at a press event; he denied the comment was sexual and later apologised. In 2023, actor Amanda Abbington alleged that professional dancer Giovanni Pernice had been "unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean." A subsequent investigation cleared Pernice of the "overwhelming majority" of allegations but upheld some complaints of verbal bullying and harassment.
Also in 2023, former Love Island contestant and documentary maker Zara McDermott said she had been left "incredibly distressed" by an encounter in the training room with Graziano Di Prima, who admitted kicking her and was later removed from the programme.
The BBC has faced further allegations of drug use by performers on the show. The Sun reported that a legal submission made to the BBC in March by law firm Russells, on behalf of Wynne Evans, raised claims that two individuals on Strictly had taken cocaine. The newspaper said one of the named performers was also suspected of drinking while on duty after crew reported smelling alcohol on their breath. The individuals were not named in the reports.
A BBC spokesperson told the Daily Mail: "We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further." The corporation declined to comment to the Daily Mail specifically about the new behavioural guidance reported by the tabloids.
Separately, reports said the broadcaster was arranging professional support for two stars linked to the drugs allegations and had commissioned an external law firm to probe the claims. The BBC has previously said it investigates and acts on complaints where appropriate.
Strictly producers have in recent years also weathered controversies over voting errors and allegations of ageism. The reported new guidance appears aimed at limiting further reputational damage and reinforcing the show's family-oriented positioning as it prepares for the upcoming series. The BBC and Strictly representatives did not provide detailed public confirmation of the contents of the refreshed contracts when contacted by the reporting outlets.