Fears that some celebrity contestants on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing may have been using weight loss jabs ahead of the new series, have reportedly caused a ‘heightened state’ among production.
The 2025 series is set to launch on September 20, with a new line-up of stars set to take to the dancefloor with their professional partners.
But, it has now been reported that some of the celebrites have been or still could be using injectable weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, in order to slim down ahead of the show.
The drugs, known as GLP-1 agonists, were initially developed to treat diabetes and work by mimicking a hormone to make users feel full.
However, Strictly bosses are said to have become concerned that if any celebrities are using the medication they will not be eating enough, and could risk not getting the vital amount of calories needed to take on the intense and gruelling competition.
According to The Sun, ‘talk is rife backstage’ over which stars are using the jabs, with the BBC also left in the dark as contestants do not have to reveal what medications they are on.
Fears that some celebrity contestants on this year’s Strictly may have been using weight loss jabs, have reportedly caused a ‘heightened state’ among production (Strictly 2024 pros pictured)
It has now been reported that some of the celebrities have been or still could be using injectable weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, in order to slim down
An insider told the publication: ‘The BBC will continue with their normal protocols which see them closely monitor the health of the contestants throughout the time they are on the show, with any sign they’re unwell or struggling physically acted upon immediately.
‘Beyond that they are powerless to intervene in any way, and not just because the stars aren’t obliged to tell them, it’s also because the medications are prescribed substances which they are entitled to take.’
Strictly stars often find that they lose weight just from the constant exercise and gruelling rehearsals, that take place over at least five days a week, for up to 12 hours a day, with a number of celebrities reporting to have shed several pounds by the end.
But another source claimed that one reason that stars could start taking up the jabs in the lead up to the show was that many worry about looking good from the start, especially wearing the signature revealing and skintight outfits.
They said: ‘A number of them will have known they are in the line-up for some time and may have started preparing months ago — and they’ll be wanting to do everything they can to look incredible right up until training begins.’
Daily Mail has contacted Strictly Come Dancing for comment.
At least half a million NHS patients and some 15million patients in the US are now thought to be using weight-loss jabs, which can help patients lose up to 20 per cent of their body weight in just a few months.
While the numbers using them privately are even higher, with the recent surge in prices being expected to be less of a financial concern to the likes of the star-studded Strictly cast.
Strictly bosses are said to have become concerned that if any stars are using the medication they will not be eating enough, and could risk not getting the vital amount of calories needed to take on the gruelling competition (hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman pictured)
This year’s cast includes Love Island’s Dani Dyer, Drag Race UK star La Voix, Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, EastEnders‘ Balvinder Sopal, Lioness Karen Carney, Lorraine Showbiz correspondent Ross King, The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner and influencer Ellie Goldstein.
Rugby player Chris Robshaw, Neighbours star Stefan Dennis, YouTuber George Clarke, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, Emmerdale‘s Lewis Cope, Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattison and sportsman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will also be taking to the ballroom this month.
It comes off the heels of Strictly becoming embroiled in yet another fresh controversy after a male star was arrested on suspicion of rape last month.
The male suspect is reportedly being ‘quizzed by police over allegations involving non-consensual intimate image abuse’.
Sources at the BBC have reportedly insisted the allegations do not involve anyone on this year’s series and said therefore the show will continue as normal.
The Met Police said the alleged rape victim is being supported by specialist officers.
A Met spokesman told the Daily Mail: ‘On Friday, August 22, officers arrested a man on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse.
‘This is a joint investigation with Hertfordshire Constabulary and while the investigation is in its early stages, we urge anyone with any information to come forward to us.
During the last series, Wynne Evans was accused of inappropriate behaviour and forced to apologise for making an unacceptable sexual remark on stage (seen with Katya Jones in January)
‘The arrest follows a third party allegation of sexual and drug-related offences. Enquiries are ongoing.’
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.’
There is nothing to suggest this is related to the current Strictly production.
The broadcaster has already launched an inquiry into the family show amid claims two of its stars had used cocaine.
One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelled alcohol on their breath.
The Sun alleged that it was widely known that the pair, who have not been named, took the Class A substance, and that one of these Strictly performers was known for being a drinker.
The publication reported that junior members of the team were asked to keep an eye on them during last year’s show and to look for signs that they may have been boozing during work hours.
A BBC spokesperson told the Daily Mail: ‘We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us.
The 2023 series saw Amanda Abbington, 51, quit early, later accusing dancing partner Giovanni Pernice , 34, of being ‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’ (seen together)
Graziano Di Prima was fired by BBC bosses last year, after it was claimed he’d been ‘physically and verbally abusive’ towards his celebrity dance partner Zara McDermott (pictured together)
‘We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.’
Last month, a staffer also claimed they were offered cocaine by one of the show’s stars.
He went on to claim that drug use was so common on the show, that when he found a suspicious bag of white powder, an unfazed senior staffer told him to ‘leave it on my desk’ as the incident failed to raise even an eyebrow.
It was also reported that the two stars who took cocaine on the show have been offered professional support.
It marks yet another controversial season for the scandal-hit show, just weeks before the 2025 series returns to screen.
During the last series, Wynne Evans, 53, was accused of inappropriate behaviour and forced to apologise for making an unacceptable sexual remark on stage at a press event. He denied it was a sexual remark but was later sacked by the BBC.
The 2023 series saw Amanda Abbington, 51, quit early, later accusing dancing partner Giovanni Pernice, 34, of being ‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’.
Whilst he was cleared of the ‘overwhelming majority’ of allegations, a probe did uphold some of her complaints of verbal bullying and harassment.
The same year, former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott, 28, was left ‘incredibly distressed’ following her experience in the training room with Graziano Di Prima, 31, who admitted to kicking the documentary maker, resulting in his axing.
STRICTLY LINEUP 2025
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Age: 36
Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator
Harry says: ‘I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.’
Alex Kingston
Age: 62
Profession: Doctor Who actress
The actress teases: ‘My hips don’t lie.’
Balvinder Sopal
Age: 46
Profession: EastEnders actress
Balvinder says: ‘I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.’
La Voix
Age: 45
Profession: Drag performer
She says: ‘Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.’
Thomas Skinner
Age: 34
Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur
He says: ‘Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!’
Vicky Pattison
Age: 37
Profession: Reality TV star
She says: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified.’
Karen Carney
Age: 38
Profession: Football pundit
She says: ‘I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.’
Dani Dyer
Age: 29
Profession: Reality star, 2018 Love Island winner
Dani says: ‘Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year! feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.’
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Age: 53
Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.
He says: ‘Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.’
Ellie Goldstein
Age: 23
Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador
She says: ‘It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream’.
Chris Robshaw
Age: 39
Profession: Rugby player
He says: ‘This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad-dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class’.
Stefan Dennis
Age: 66
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.’
Ross King
Age: 63
Profession: Showbiz correspondent
He says: ‘I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!’
Lewis Cope
Age: 30
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.’
