Strictly Come Dancing contestants have reportedly ‘negotiated higher fees as danger money’ to compete in this year’s series after it was hit by a string of scandals.
After the show revealed its full line-up last week, it was been hit by fresh claims that bosses have called in police to investigate a new allegation into the show.
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.
In 2023, Amanda Abbington, 51, complained about Giovanni Pernice, 34, 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.
Now, according to reports, one celebrity agent has claimed some fellow agents have requested a ‘higher fee’ for their clients in response to the scandals.
Strictly Come Dancing contestants have reportedly ‘negotiated higher fees as danger money’ to compete in this year’s series after it was hit by a string of scandals
After the show revealed its full lin-eup last week, it was been hit by fresh claims that bosses have called in police to investigate a new allegation into the show (Wynne Evans and Katya Jones pictured last year)
A source told The Mirror: ‘Everyone is a little more mindful about the fact that things can blow up – and one mis-step is all it takes. The phrase “danger money” has been bandied about.’
Another added: ‘Some agents are becoming wary about putting their clients forward because of recent headlines.’
However, a BBC source added: ‘There has been no change when it comes to booking stars for this year’s show, or the types of fees being requested or paid out.’
Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment.
It comes as Strictly was hit with a fresh scandal just weeks before the new series kicks off.
The BBC have reportedly alerted the Metropolitan Police to investigate a new allegation, after lawyers began an inquiry into the series.
The broadcaster had already launched an inquiry into the family show amid claims two of its stars had used cocaine.
According to The Sun on Sunday, detectives from the Met Police are allegedly examining other allegations.
Now, according to reports, one celebrity agent has claimed some agents have requested a ‘higher fee’ for their clients in response to the scandals
Sources claim: ‘It’s a significant new development in the BBC’s recent string of crises that they have now got the police involved in investigating allegations surrounding Strictly. This is a very dramatic turn of events.
‘Despite all the show and its team have been through over recent months, it’s hugely controversial that you’ve now got Scotland Yard detectives probing Strictly.
‘This is their biggest prime-time family entertainment show, so it’s not a good look for the BBC.’
The BBC declined to comment on any police investigations when contacted by the Daily Mail.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster previously stated: ‘We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us.
‘We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.’
Strictly’s new series has been hit by a string of scandals in the lead-up to its return, including revelations that the broadcaster had hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug use by two individuals.
One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelt 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 have now 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.
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!’
