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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Scarlett O'Toole

BBC bosses 'fear they are running out of stars' for Strictly Come Dancing's 20th series

BBC bosses are reportedly concerned they are running out of celebrities to appear on Strictly Come Dancing as the show approaches its 20th series.

Executives are said to be worried there are no longer enough "big names" who want to compete for the glitterball trophy. The reports come as wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin is announced as the thirteenth star to sign up for the 2022 season.

"Taking part in Strictly is a dream for so many celebrities, but so many of them have done it now. They have lived the dream and reaped the massive benefits of it," a source told The Daily Mail.

They added: "The success of Strictly is massive, the ratings are still huge so it will keep on going.

Strictly will soon return to our screens (BBC/Guy Levy)

"But so many big names have appeared now that you have to wonder where the rest of them are going to come from now."

The Mirror has contacted BBC representatives for comment.

Strictly has been a stalwart of television schedules for many years and has seen almost 300 celebrities take part. People such as Bill Bailey, Stacey Dooley and Katie Piper have taken to the ballroom stage in an attempt to be crowned the winner.

Last year’s series was won by EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis who was watched each week by at least two million viewers.

Rose Ayling-Ellis won the show last year (PA)

This year, Hamza will be joined by the liked of Fleur East, Molly Rainford and Richie Anderson.

Some fans have taken to Twitter to share their disappointment at the line-up, with one person writing: "This line up is awful. Is strictly a bit desperate."

Another said: "The #Strictly line up this year is a "who's who of who the f**k is that"!"

A third fan wrote: "Guessing the Strictly bosses really struggled in finding celebs this year. Because this line up is awful."

However, others are excited for the stars to get their dancing shoes on, with one viewer tweeting: "The strictly line up looks fab."

Another person said: "What I like about this line up so far is that it's diverse, it has some well known/experienced names, but also has some unknown names that have a big opportunity to elevate their profile and a chance for the Public to get to know them."

A third viewer commented: "Strictly is gonna be awesome this year! What a fab line up so far!"

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