Strictly Come Dancing stars brush off ‘ageism row’ as they’re seen for the first time since claims that ‘five professionals are facing the axe’

Strictly Come Dancing stars appeared in good spirits as they left their hotel on Friday – after it was reported some of the show’s biggest professionals could be at risk of being axed in a huge shake-up.

Over the past year the much-loved BBC show has been hit by a series of scandals, and now sources claim bosses are planning to bring in a new generation of young dancers, with up to five professional dancers at risk.

Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez and Katya Jones are believed to be among those at risk, four of whom have already been eliminated from this year’s competition.

However, Aljaž Škorjanec, 34, Dianne Buswell, 35, Chris McCausland, 47, Craig Revel Horwood, 59, and Lauren Oakley, 33, didn’t let the news dampen their spirits as they beamed for the cameras ahead of rehearsals.

Aljaž looked ready to go as he gave a positive thumbs up to the cameras and strolled around with a brew in his hand.

He looked comfortable in a multi-colored fleece jacket, plain black T-shirt and chocolate brown ribbed sweatpants.

Meanwhile, Lauren bundled up against the cold in a black puffer coat, teaming it with a red button-up top and black crinkle-textured trousers.

While Dianne cut a stylish figure in a beige trench coat as she lounged on her phone before hopping into a car with her dance partner Chris.

Strictly speaking, however, Craig cut a quirky figure in a white shirt with a paint splatter effect and a bright pink collar.

He paired the trendy shirt with a smart dark gray blazer and matching trousers as he waited patiently with his things.

Following the rumors of a professional shake-up, a source said The sun: ‘Revising the line-up was always about making a fresh start, and that was always going to be influenced by which dancers performed well in this series.’

‘The feeling is that the Strictly group is made up of some fading stars, while others are rising stars.’

“And in many cases, there are certain characters whose shoes could easily be filled by younger, up-and-coming counterparts. It’s harsh, but it’s just part of the traditional business of show business.’

A representative for Strictly Come Dancing declined to comment. MailOnline has contacted representatives for Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez and Katya Jones for comment.

It was previously reported in July that some of Strictly’s biggest professional names were at risk of being axed as bosses planned to bring in some fresh young names.

A source said The sun: ‘There is a fear that by participating in the show they will become more open to feeling entitled and untouchable.’

‘It is not a done deal, and it will not be the case that the oldest or longest serving will be shown the door. It would be a carefully considered process, taking other factors into account as well.”

Before adding: ‘The fact that the BBC is even considering making big changes and bringing in fresh blood is a sign of how keen they are to move on and do everything they can to ensure something like this doesn’t happen again happens.’

Strictly’s milestone 20th year was marred by scandal – after actress Amanda Abbington unexpectedly quit the show last October before claiming her partner Giovanni Pernice abused her. He was later acquitted of ten of her sixteen charges.

The show was then hit by a new wave of scandal when Graziano Di Prima was sacked in July for ‘kicking’ his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott.

Elsewhere, fellow pro Johannes Radebe, 37, has denied rumors he is quitting the dance show amid claims he has been offered two new roles.

Earlier this week it was reported that the South African dancer, who has become a fan favorite since joining the show in 2018, had landed two major projects in 2025, with sources claiming his schedule is too full for a return to the show. ballroom.

A source said The sun: ‘Johannes is extremely loved on the show and there is no bad feeling about his departure.’

‘Of course bosses will probably try to find a way to bring him back at some point and he would no doubt consider returning.’

‘But for now he just has too much to juggle on top of the game. Not only is he working on the announced projects, but there are also other opportunities in the pipeline, which he can now explore further.’

However, Johannes has since quashed speculation about his place in the popular dance show.

In a video uploaded to his Instagram on Thursday, the star jokingly sang and danced along to a song about not leaving.

Dressed in a gray T-shirt and black pants, he shuffled and hummed along to the melody.

He then joined in and sang along loudly to the lyrics that read, “I’m not going anywhere, nowhere.”

He quit singing to deal with rumors about his next career move.

Speaking directly to the camera in the dance studio, he said: ‘I’m not going anywhere, nowhere. It’s a lie. Lies upon many lies.”

The professional dancer then began to pull away from the camera, shaking his hips and singing along before pulling in his dance partner Gladiators. star Montell Douglas, for a spin.

The star captioned his video: ‘I’m not going anywhere! The story is not true – I love @bbcstrictly and I want to do this beautiful show for as long as they want me – and the body will allow it.”

“I have Kinky Boots and other work in the pipeline, yes, but nothing can take me away. Love you all Jojo Xx’