Strictly Come Dancing is set to break its own rule on contestant selection ahead of the announcement of the first celeb competitor. During a segment on Wednesday morning’s Good Morning Britain, entertainment reporter Scarlette Douglas, 36, discussed rumours of this year's Strictly Come Dancing line up.
As reported by Yorkshire Live, Scarlette said: “It is that time of year and the Strictly rumours start.” Former Love Island contest Zara McDermott, 26, is thought to be the first Strictly celeb that will be confirmed as taking part in this year’s competition.
Scarlette explained why this would potentially be a controversial booking for the show. “Strictly is breaking their own rules.” Scarlette said: “Strictly used to have a ban on ‘structured reality’ stars.”
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‘Structured reality’ would apply to TV programmes such as Love Island, Made in Chelsea and The Only Way is Essex. Although in recent years, Strictly has welcomed Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing and Made in Chelsea alumni Mark Wright.
Scarlette concluded: “It seems strictly bosses have taken a leaf out of Dancing On Ice’s book which has already had a variety of Love Island stars.”
As Scarlette explained Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One this autumn, presenter Susanna Reid chimed in: "It's a bit of a snobby ban, isn't it? Not allowing Love Islanders on Strictly Come Dancing."
Love Island's Zara was thrust into the spotlight five years ago on the ITV2 dating series and has gone on to star in her own BBC documentaries. She's also appeared in Made In Chelsea and is dating reality star Sam Thompson who is also part of the E4 show's cast.
