“Strictly Come Dancing,” the popular BBC dance competition that debuted in 2004, has had its fair share of controversies and scandals over the years. From the infamous ‘Strictly curse’ to injuries, sexism scandals, bullying incidents, misconduct, and the inclusion of controversial contestants, the show has consistently generated buzz since its inception.
As preparations for the upcoming season are underway, a shadow looms over the show’s star-studded launch. The recent uproar involves former Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, who abruptly left a scheduled interview and grabbed a reporter’s phone after being asked a simple question about his participation in the new series.
Many fans are now calling for Skinner to be removed from the show, labeling him a ‘manchild’ for his reaction to basic inquiries about his involvement. Social media has seen a wave of criticism directed at Skinner, with questions raised about the show’s decision to cast such a controversial figure.
Despite receiving a warning from BBC executives, it appears that Skinner will remain part of the 2025 lineup. An insider revealed that all 15 celebrities were set to film the launch program, scheduled to air on September 20th, with Skinner expected to continue despite the unexpected events.
In a separate incident, a former contestant from a previous season was arrested on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse. The BBC confirmed that the ongoing police investigation does not involve anyone from the current series of Strictly Come Dancing, which is currently in training.
Moreover, the BBC initiated an investigation into drug abuse allegations involving participants on the show. Claims of cocaine use by certain stars surfaced, prompting the BBC to engage a legal firm to look into the matter. Additional individuals have also come forward with allegations of drug use on the show.
Despite the controversies, the show announced its lineup for the upcoming season, which received mixed reactions from fans. The reveal included celebrities like Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Dani Dyer, and Alex Kingston, among others.
As the show’s social media team builds anticipation by unveiling each contestant, fans have expressed varying levels of excitement and disappointment about the lineup. The show’s history of scandals and drama, including past incidents involving former contestants and professionals, continues to captivate audiences.
While facing criticism and challenges, “Strictly Come Dancing” remains a popular and enduring show, with a dedicated fan base supporting its return season after season. Despite the controversies, the show’s ability to entertain and engage viewers has kept it in the spotlight, demonstrating its resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.