'Strictly needed a sensational line-up to save the show - but bosses made a major error'

Lorraine: Two new Strictly stars announced

Strictly Come Dancing has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons as the 20th series approaches following professional dancer Graziano di Prima's axing and Giovanni Pernice's decision to "quit" the show after allegations of threatening behaviour were made by the latter's former dance partner Amanda Abbington.

Giovanni, 33, has denied all claims made against him, and Strictly fans have been waiting with bated breath to find out the results of the BBC's investigation into Amanda's claims. Meanwhile, Graziano - who admitted to kicking his 2023 partner Zara McDermott - has apologised for his actions following his sacking.

Earlier this summer, fans of the programme questioned whether Strictly Come Dancing would be cancelled altogether in the wake of the scandals. However, the BBC has been revealing which celebrities will be taking part in this year's series over the past week - so it's definitely going ahead.

In June, Express.co.uk caught up with head judge Shirley Ballas at the TRIC Awards who promised this year will have "the most fantastic line-up ever". She also vowed 2024 cast would be "surprising"...

The stars taking part in this year's show include, Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri, JLS singer JB Gill, Toyah Willcox and TV doctor Punam Krishan, comedian Chris McCausland, The Only Way Is Essex's Pete Wicks, opera singer Wynne Evans and swimmer Tom Dean as well as singer Shayne Ward and Miranda actress Sarah Hadland. However, viewers don't seem impressed with the 'B-list' cast, with some branding it the "worst line-up ever".

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Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman host Strictly (Image: Getty)

READ MORE Fergie offered spot on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and she only had one reply

Strictly really needed a stellar line-up to save the show, but the lacklustre signings have created more backlash for the programme's bosses. It also came to light earlier this week that two of the celebrities are "professionally trained dancers".

They are Tasha and JB who both have a background in dance. Tasha, 25, has been dancing for 20 years and has taken part in competitions, according to reports. Former X-Factor star JB danced when he was in the group JLS who rose to fame in 2008 and released huge pop hits such as Everybody in Love and Beat Again.

The BBC has been criticised in the past for enlisting "trained" dancers to compete in the series, with the 2023 line-up alone including three stars with previous dancing experience. They encompassed presenter Angela Scanlon, West End star Layton Williams and broadcaster Angela Rippon.

Surely it would have been a wise move for Strictly bosses to keep the peace and only sign up stars without dancing backgrounds this time round. It's bound to cause more controversy when the show starts this autumn as fans usually lash out on social media by making "fix row" accusations when those with a dancing background get scored highly by the judges.

Shirley Ballas promised the line-up would be fantastic (Image: Getty)

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Shayne Ward was announced in the line-up this morning (Image: Getty)

Ahead of the show returning to BBC One, the stars who have been announced in the line-up have given brief interviews to express their thoughts on taking part. However, everyone has swerved saying anything about the ongoing scandals which have been plaguing Strictly for months.

For example, X-Factor star Shayne said on ITV's Lorraine today: "I'm buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life. I'm no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level."

Does he honestly think BBC viewers still believe in "the magic that is Strictly"? He's naive to assume viewers won't be able to see past all the bright lights, glitter and sequins when the show hits screens later this year.

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Giovanni and Rose Ayling-Ellis won in 2021 (Image: Getty)

For now, viewers will be eager to know what professional dancers the celebrities will be paired with, especially after Giovanni and Graziano's exits. However, all eyes will be on the couples in rehearsals as well as during the live shows this year following Amanda's allegations.

But this isn't the first time Strictly has experienced a scandal, nor is it the only time a line-up has been criticised by fans.

For example, not many people had heard of EastEnders' actress Rose Ayling-Ellis when she was paired with Giovanni in the 2021 series. But she went on to win the series and make history as the show's first deaf contestant - plus her and Giovanni's silent dance moment which left viewers and judges in tears won a BAFTA.

In 2022, the line-up was also criticised, with fans claiming they didn't know who many of the contestants were. But viewers soon fell in love with the relatively unknown wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin who took home the Glitterball Trophy with pro partner Jowita Przystal.

Perhaps stars in this year's line-up will win over the hearts of viewers and enable Strictly to become the jewel in the BBC's crown once more. Only time will tell.

'Strictly needed a sensational line-up to save the show - but bosses made a major error'

'Strictly needed a sensational line-up to save the show - but bosses made a major error'

'Strictly needed a sensational line-up to save the show - but bosses made a major error'

'Strictly needed a sensational line-up to save the show - but bosses made a major error'

'Strictly needed a sensational line-up to save the show - but bosses made a major error'