As the buzz for the upcoming 20th anniversary season of Strictly Come Dancing builds, rumours of a brewing feud are already swirling among fans.
TV presenter Nick Knowles has ignited rumours of a backstage feud after fans noticed he didn't follow his co-star Jamie Borthwick from EastEnders on Instagram, unlike the other show contestants.
This social media slight has sparked widespread speculation about a potential rift between the two.
The intrigue adds an unexpected twist as Strictly gears up for its grand launch show, scheduled for Saturday, September 14, at 7.20 pm over on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
During this event, fans will discover the celebrity-pro pairings for a season that boasts a diverse and vibrant cast, including Olympian Sam Quek, singer JB Gill, and actors like Shayne Ward and Jamie Borthwick.
This year's cast has sparked discussions beyond potential feuds, particularly concerning the gender distribution among the contestants.
The show has drawn some criticism for not including as many women as in previous years.
The lineup features nine male celebrities and just six females, a disparity that has not gone unnoticed. Addressing the criticism, Strictly bosses stated: "We are really excited about this year’s lineup and look forward to the series starting.
"There are many factors that influence the casting process to ensure we have a good mix of celebrities from a broad range of backgrounds. There is no hard and fast rule regarding the gender split on the show and it's never been about ticking boxes."
Despite the excitement surrounding the new season, the show continues to navigate the aftermath of the show controversies involving former professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
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The scandal included serious allegations from actor Amanda Abbington against Giovanni, accusing him of "bullying" and "aggressive behaviour."
Giovanni has denied these claims, asserting he never engaged in abusive or threatening behaviour. In response to the fallout and to protect participants, the BBC has put additional procedures into place to focus on the welfare of those taking part.
This includes two new dedicated welfare offices as well as extensive training for the production team and the crew on the programme.
With these new measures in place, the upcoming series promises to be "extra special," according to show producers, who are committed to delivering "even more glitz, glamour, and unforgettable performances".
The official trailer which was released yesterday (September 5), doesn't feature any references to the controversy that has surrounded the long-running show.
