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Privacy NoticeStrictly Come Dancing is prepping for a spectacular 20th anniversary series, but whispers suggest there’s something missing from the line-up, as noted by crisis management expert Mayah Riaz. Amidst a recent alleged misconduct scandal, BBC chiefs have reportedly been working tirelessly to revamp the show, introducing new protocols like chaperones in training rooms. However, despite the usual buzz around this time of year when the new cast is revealed, Riaz feels that the excitement has been somewhat subdued. Online chatter has branded the line-up “underwhelming,” even with some notable celebrities on board. Shayne Ward, the former X Factor victor and Coronation Street actor, is joining the show, with producers hoping his charm will lift spirits. Nick Knowles, the beloved DIY personality, is also set to strut his stuff on the dance floor after lengthy negotiations, with insiders claiming he’s “always loved” Strictly. Breaking away from past norms, this year’s series will controversially feature reality TV personalities, including Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri, a pro dancer herself, and TOWIE’s Pete Wicks. Sign up to OK’s TV newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free
Mayah wondered whether Strictly fans will desert the show if they don’t recognise the celebrities taking part
(Image: Maryanne Scott)
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The Strictly Come Dancing line-up is receiving mixed reviews, with PR guru Mayah Riaz questioning the star power of this season’s cast in light of the recent controversies. “With recent controversy surrounding the show, you’d have expected a more exciting line-up,” she told the Mirror. “Younger audiences won’t have many names they can get behind. And I can already see Tasha Ghouri’s signing causing further controversy due to her being a trained dancer.” Riaz also hinted at possible hesitation among A-listers to tie their name to this year’s edition of Strictly, adding: “Due to the lack of excitement, the fans may wonder whether some names have declined to take part in the show due to recent controversy. There are many non-household names taking part. This could be risky as the fans will feel they don’t know who the celebrities are and will find it hard to get behind them.”
Shayne Ward is one of the better known celebrities who has signed up
Pete Wicks is seen as a controversial signing as he is a reality star
(Image: BBC)
She hinted that the absence of big names might actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise, as it could catapult lesser-known celebs to stardom. “The show can be making of careers or reigniting careers. That is what I suspect might happen if this year’s show is a success,” she mused. “But as with these things, the real test will be when the show starts. I wonder if the bigger names have chosen to sign up to Gladiators Celebrity Special instead.” In response to recent concerns, the BBC announced new steps last month to enhance participant welfare on Strictly Come Dancing. The statement read: “The BBC is today announcing additional steps to strengthen welfare and support on Strictly Come Dancing. Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals. The actions we announce today are designed to address that.” Detailing the changes, they continued: “We have taken the decision to introduce the following additional practical steps. Going forward, we will have a production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times; increase existing support with the addition of two new roles on the show dedicated to welfare support, a Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer, and deliver further training for the production team and crew.”Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnJLSStrictly Come DancingJB GillNick KnowlesPete WicksShayne Ward
