Strictly Come Dancing producers have reportedly given professional dancers a refreshed set of conduct rules ahead of the new series, telling them to avoid swearing, excessive drinking and "inappropriate" clothing as part of wider guidance on social media and public behaviour.
The changes, first reported by the Daily Mail and attributed to a source quoted in The Sun, said the guidance stresses that dancers must remain "family-friendly" and avoid "adult content/humour" and clothing with "inappropriate language." The source also said performers had been told to avoid any content that showed alcohol being consumed "irresponsibly."
According to the reports, the contractual document has been "refreshed" ahead of the series launch, which is scheduled to begin Sept. 20. The Mail said professional dancers have always been under contract but that this year's terms had been tightened as a response to a series of controversies that have drawn scrutiny to the long-running BBC show.
The move follows several high-profile incidents that have dogged Strictly in recent years. In 2025, singer Wynne Evans was dismissed by the BBC after an incident at a press event that the corporation said merited action; he denied that his remark was sexual in nature but apologised. In 2023, actress Amanda Abbington complained about Giovanni Pernice, saying his behaviour had been "unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean." A BBC probe cleared Pernice of the "overwhelming majority" of allegations but said it upheld some complaints relating to verbal bullying and harassment. Also in 2023, dancer Graziano Di Prima admitted kicking documentary-maker Zara McDermott during training and was subsequently removed from the show.
Separately, the programme has been the subject of an internal inquiry into allegations that two participants took cocaine while working on the production. Press reports have said the claims were included in a legal submission to the BBC by the law firm Russells and that the broadcaster engaged external lawyers to investigate. The Daily Mail reported that the BBC had been offering professional support to two individuals linked to the probe.
The reports said the new guidance also tightens social media usage for professionals, but provided few details on enforcement or specific contractual penalties. The Sun source said the reminders aim to ensure on- and off-screen behaviour aligns with the show's family audience.
The BBC did not comment directly to the Mail on the alleged contract refresh, the Daily Mail reported. A separate statement attributed to a BBC spokesperson said the corporation has "clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us" and that it would "always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns." The statement added: "It would not be appropriate for us to comment further."
Strictly Come Dancing, which mixes celebrity contestants with professional dancers, has long relied on carefully managed contracts and editorial guidelines. The latest reported changes come as producers work to reduce reputational risk and respond to scrutiny from the public and media ahead of the new series.
Producers and the BBC have not publicly published the revised rules, and the reports do not indicate whether the guidance is time-limited or will form part of permanent contract terms. The series is due to return to screens on Sept. 20.