STRICTLY Come Dancing stars have joked they need ‘danger money’ to participate in the scandal hit show.
The long-running BBC programme is no stranger to facing drama in recent years.
Last week, the full line-up for this year’s series was officially announced.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Dani Dyer , Vicky Pattison , Balvinder Sopal and Stefan Dennis are among the stars taking part.
According to The Mirror , participating celebrities have joked that their fees are “danger money“.
A source close to a contestant claimed to the publication that some agents allegedly imposed higher minimum fees for their clients to sign up.
Refuting this, a BBC source commented: “There’s no change when it comes to booking stars for this year’s show, or the types of fees being requested or paid out.”
One recent scandal concerned opera singer Wynne Evans , who competed in last year’s series.
The 53-year-old was dropped from the Strictly Live Tour after making what seemed to be a crude remark at the launch event.
He was also embroiled in a “ gropegate ” scandal when he appeared to place an unsolicited hand on the stomach of pro partner Katya .
Last year, the BBC conducted a probe into allegations Amanda Abbington made about former dance partner Giovanni Pernice .
In their report – which was released in September – the BBC upheld six of the 17 complaints Amanda made and apologised publicly to her.
Sources said that those upheld related to verbal bullying and harassment.
But the most serious allegations of physical aggression were not upheld.
The Sun first revealed tensions between the dancer and Sherlock star Amanda , 52, his celeb partner in 2023.
She quit the competition that October after a series of bust-ups which left her in tears.
In May 2024, The Sun told how Italian dancer Giovanni had quit the BBC programme , having joined in 2015.
A source told The Sun at the time: “Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start.
“He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly , having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times.
“He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking — especially in this day and age.
“He has a lot of other exciting projects in the pipeline right now, and he’s just super-excited to get cracking on them. This, now, is his priority.”
In July 2024, The Sun told how pro dancer Graziano Di Prima had been sacked after Strictly bosses were shown shocking footage.
Wynne Evans' Strictly scandals
‘Grope’
Wynne encountered a backlash after his Strictly pro partner Katya was filmed removing his hand from her waist .
Fans insisted she looked uncomfortable as she moved it away – but Katya later insisted there was no problem.
In joke
They then sparked further fury, when she was seen refusing to high-five the Opera singer.
The duo were quick to issue a video apology and insisted it was all an innocent “inside joke”.
Crude joke
Wynne came under fire for allegedly telling a “crude” joke to one of the show’s make-up artists.
Insiders claim the opera star made a joke that the folds of his double chin “looked like a vagina”.
A source said: “It was a bit of a vulgar dad joke.”
Vile comment
Wynne was recorded suggesting a three-way sex session with presenter Janette Manrara , using the term “spit roast”.
His remark came at a photocall to launch the Strictly live tour, which pro Janette, 41, is hosting.
He reportedly pulled a suggestive face at actor Jamie Borthwick as Janette moved between them — which is when Evans allegedly made the joke.
Wynne has apologised saying: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.”
The Italian, 31, was accused of hitting, spitting and kicking celeb partner Zara McDermott during rehearsals for the 2023 series.
He has since admitted to kicking her by mistake but branded other claims “vile and false”.
He said in a statement: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
