- Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.co.uk
Strictly Come Dancing bosses have reportedly ‘issued this year’s professional dancers with a set of strict new rules’ after being plagued by scandal.
The show has suffered months of turmoil in the wake of Wynne Evans controversial axe and allegations of abusive behaviour aimed at pros Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
Past scandals that hit the show, also include voting gaffes, ageism rows, and controversial exits.
This year’s rules for the dancers are believed to include ‘no swearing, drinking alcohol to excess or inappropriate clothing’ in order to protect the show.
As well as guidelines surrounding social media usage which is to be ‘tightened-up’ when .
Professional dancers have always been under contract but the document is said to have been ‘refreshed’ ahead of the new series which kicks off September 20.
A source told The Sun: ‘This includes no swearing, no ‘adult content/humour’, and the instruction to “avoid inappropriate language on clothing”.
‘They are reminded their role must be family-friendly, and not sexually explicit or too innuendo-heavy, basically.
‘Crucially, this year they have been told to avoid any content of alcohol being consumed “irresponsibly.”‘
BBC declined to comment when contacted by Daily Mail.
During the last series, Wynne Evans, 53, was accused of inappropriate behaviour and forced to apologise for making an unacceptable sexual remark on stage at a press event. He denied it was a sexual remark but was later sacked by the BBC.
In 2023, Amanda Abbington, 51, complained about Giovanni Pernice, 34, being ‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’.
Whilst he was cleared of the ‘overwhelming majority’ of allegations, a probe did uphold some of her complaints of verbal bullying and harassment.
The same year, former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott, 28, was left ‘incredibly distressed’ following her experience in the training room with Graziano Di Prima, 31, who admitted to kicking the documentary maker, resulting in his axing.
The broadcaster has already launched an inquiry into the family show amid claims two of its stars had used cocaine.
One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelt alcohol on their breath.
The Sun alleged that it was widely known that the pair, who have not been named, took the Class A substance, and that one of these Strictly performers was known for being a drinker.
A BBC spokesperson told 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.’
BBC bosses are reportedly set to offer professional support to two stars of hit dancing show Strictly, amid allegations they took cocaine on the programme.
It was revealed the broadcaster has hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug taking by two individuals, whose drug use is said to be ‘well-known’ on the show.
The claims were reportedly made in a legal submission to the BBC by law firm Russells back in March, on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans.
