Strictly Come Dancing 2024 is set to be the wildest series yet as dancers refuse to crack the whip with celebrities.
It comes as the Beeb is desperate to conclude the Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington bullying probe before the show starts on September 14.
Self confessed party animal Pete Wicks is expected to bring the fun with insiders saying "the reins are off".
The insider explained: "There is a feeling in the camp that the celebrities just want to have fun this year and due to all the dramas of last year, show bosses and dancers aren't putting pressure on celebrities and keep reiterating that it's a fun show, and to just enjoy the ride.
"Pete Wicks is known for his wild partying ways and has already been rubbing off on the other celebrities.
"One year stars self imposed booze and sex bans but this year the reins are off. If there's going to be a year where the stars end up partying - this is it."
Strictly sources confirmed the new relaxed atmosphere explaining how "there is no standard or expectation to live up to. It’s about learning a new skill. Each celebrity contestant has their own ‘journey’ on the show."
Other celebrities from this year's show who have been known to party include eighties pop star Toyah Willcox, DIY SOS' Nick Knowles and JLS star JB Gill.
They'll be joined by pop star Shane Ward, Olympic medalist Sam Quek, Love Island alumnus Tasha Ghouri, and EastEnders legend Jamie Borthwick.
Comedian Chris McCausland, singer Wynne Evans, NHS and TV doctor Punam Krishan, actress Sarah Hadland, Gladiators star Montell Douglas, Olympic Gold medal-winning swimmer Tom Dean and England footballer Paul Merson will also be waltzing onto the dance floor.
The more relaxed atmosphere on the show comes after actress Amanda, 50, complained about Giovanni's alleged aggressive bullying at training which kickstarted a damaging public furore. Giovanni has always denied the allegations.
The probe is expected to be concluded within the week.
It is believed contestants and BBC employees have set up a WhatsApp group in readiness for the internal report.
The probe was launched at the start of summer after Sherlock actress Amanda instructed lawyers Carter-Ruck.
Conducted by two ex-Met officers, it has already reportedly cost the taxpayer £250,000.
Don't miss...
Strictly Come Dancing stars' salaries explored including huge pay rise [LATEST]
BBC 'under huge pressure' as verdict for Giovanni Pernice probe expected [INSIGHT]
BBC Strictly shares first look in return after show loses two of its stars [ANNOUNCEMENT]
There have been suggestions that while some of Amanda’s claims will be dismissed, the BBC will be unable to entirely clear Gio.
An inappropriate video, which Amanda is said to have taken offence to, will be used to support her claims, while Gio’s team will say that it was sent in jest and “banter”.
Meanwhile Gio's team hope that a secret audio recording, in which Amanda is said to brand herself a nightmare, will boost their case.
Amanda isn't the only star who said she did not enjoy the show. Rachel Riley says the contest left her with post-traumatic stress disorder.
But Strictly are hoping once the probe concludes, this year's series can continue without any more controversies. The source added: "There's always drama on Strictly but this year bosses are hoping it's a more light hearted affair."
The Strictly Come Dancing 2024 launch show will air on Saturday 14th September at 19:20 on BBC One & BBC iPlayer.
