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Five Strictly pros ‘could face axe’ as BBC ‘considering big changes to line-up’ amid scandal crisis

Changes on the way?

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In latest Strictly Come Dancing news, five pros are said to be ‘facing the axe’ from the BBC One dance contest.

As the pros for the upcoming 2024 series began rehearsals, The Sun claims the troupe’s most senior figures might be approaching their last hurrah on Strictly.

That’s because, according to the tabloid, bosses are considering “a cull of long-serving dancers” in the pro line-up.

The report comes following months of headlines containing allegations about pro stars’ rehearsal methods and conduct.

The 2024 pro line-up has also this week reunited as rehearsals begin. A group picture was shared to Instagram.

Strictly stars Zara McDermott and Graziano di Prima look tense
Graziano Di Prima, right, has been sacked from Strictly (Credit: BBC iPlayer)

Giovanni Pernice, 33, will not be part of the 2024 series following claims about his behaviour alongside 2023 celebrity partner Amanda Abbington. He has previously denied any suggestion of “abusive or threatening behaviour”.

And earlier this month Graziano Di Prima, 30, was sacked following claims of gross misconduct. He has been accused of kicking, hitting and spitting at 2023 celebrity partner Zara McDermott.

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The Sun reports Strictly bosses reckon allegations might be “fuelled” by “veteran” stars that reportedly feel they are “entitled and untouchable”.

Having hinted at seniority, the tabloid then identified several pros by age and how long they have been on the show.

The Sun also quoted an unidentified insider as saying the series needs “a fresh start”.

The source is said to have said: “There isn’t much they can do to change the line-up for this year’s crisis-hit show. But the feeling is that Strictly needs to make a fresh start in 2025.”

Aljaz Skorjanec smiles on The One Show
Aljaz Skorjanec is returning for 2024 (Credit: BBC iPlayer)

‘Fresh blood’

The source added about the reported changes: “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.

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.

“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.”

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A post shared by BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly)

Meanwhile, Aljaz Skorjanec, 34, is back to replace Giovanni for Strictly 2024. In a defiant post shared to Strictly’s Instagram page, the show shared the first group picture of the pro line-up for the new series.

It read: “Day one of #Strictly 2024 rehearsals done! We can’t wait to share our new pro routines with everyone soon.”

It comes after some people called for the show to be cancelled. One person said: “How many more bullying allegations can strictly take? Enough is enough. It needs to be axed.”

Another wrote: “At this point Strictly Come Dancing should be cancelled.”

ED! has approached representatives for Strictly Come Dancing for comment about The Sun’s story.

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Read more: Zara McDermott ‘wiped away tears’ after Strictly training as photos resurface amid Graziano allegations

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Robert Leigh
Freelance writer