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BBC bosses have slashed Strictly’s budget for the upcoming 20th season amid a series of scandals that could lead to payouts for former stars.
According to sources at the Corporation, the casting budget for the flagship show has been slashed following the Strictly bullying scandal.
Instead, money has been made available for better welfare measures for the dance performance.
Bosses are concerned about further financial problems as former stars line up to claim they were mistreated during their time on the series.
The current scandal has led to numerous allegations of misconduct and forced professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice to quit the long-running Saturday night program.
BBC bosses have slashed Strictly’s budget for the upcoming 20th series amid a series of scandals that could lead to payouts for former stars
The current scandal has led to numerous allegations of misconduct and has forced professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice (pictured) to leave the long-running show
A source said: ‘Money had to be found to pay chaperones and welfare producers, and we still don’t know how much all these allegations are going to cost the show. It won’t be cheap. A decision has been made to cut back on the cast.’
The reduced casting budget was noticeable, with many Strictly fans left disappointed when this year’s celebrity cast was announced earlier this month.
The audience was left with questions as they struggled to recognise little-known TV doctor Punam Krishnan and former Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri.
The source said the only big money contenders this year are DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles and football analyst Paul Merson.
They added: ‘The line-up is one of our cheapest ever. We know audiences will be disappointed, especially given the quality of our celebrities over the past five years.’
It is a further setback for Strictly bosses, who had high hopes for the 20th anniversary series, which starts on September 14.
The latest series will see a team of new production staff working to mentor the celebrity stars, who will be present at all times in the rehearsal room training to monitor for any signs of inappropriate behavior.
BBC bosses have been forced to take “decisive steps” to improve protections for celebrities on the show after allegations of abuse were made by contestants including actress Amanda Abbington and former reality star Zara McDermott.
BBC bosses have been forced to take ‘decisive steps’ to improve protections for celebrities on the show after allegations of abuse were made by contestants including actress Amanda Abbington and former reality star Zara McDermott (pictured)
Pernice, Strictly’s longest-serving male pro, was accused of bullying during rehearsals by Abbington last year and a BBC investigation is ongoing. The 33-year-old Sicilian has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
The Mail on Sunday revealed yesterday that Pernice would be acquitted following Abbington’s allegations. BBC insiders told the paper there was no evidence Pernice had bullied her.
However, the actress is said to be so determined to win her case that she is, as friends of Pernice put it, ‘making one last attempt’ by telling the BBC about a short video he sent her via WhatsApp.
Sources within the organisation say it was ‘sex-related’ but that in nature it was ‘very much a tease’.
A source said: ‘This is literally the last thing Amanda has, so of course she’s hoping it sticks. It’s the only thing that’s tangible against Giovanni in any way.’
The report’s findings are not expected until next month.