The Strictly Come Dancing crisis deepened on Friday amid reports one of its professional dancers contacted the BBC to complain about the show.
Nadiya Bychkova, 34, reportedly reached out to show bosses this week and was invited for a face-to-face meeting to discuss her concerns.
The Ukrainian-born dancer was said to be “upset” about specific issues related to the series, which she has been part of since 2017.
Show sources are now saying the crisis is “worsening by the day”.
An insider told MailOnline: “Nadiya got in touch out of the blue and wanted to talk to the bosses
“They are taking every single murmur of a complaint seriously now so she was immediately asked in.
“She has been on the show for some years so will have seen a lot and possibly also experienced unpleasant behaviour. She will have worked with many people.”
The hugely popular dance show has been plunged into crisis over allegations about the behaviour of a number of its dancers.
Graziano Di Prima was axed from the show over his alleged treatment of Love Island star Zara McDermott during rehearsals. In a statement yesterday, a spokesman for Di Prima admitted the Italian dancer had kicked McDermott.
The series has faced mounting controversy since Amanda Abbington shared her difficult experience with Giovanni Pernice, prompting others to come forward. Pernice was also dropped from the show, with both dancers currently under investigation.
A third professional dancer has reportedly been named as a “person of interest” amid the ongoing probe into the BBC show’s off-screen rehearsals.
“Things really are getting serious now, it is a mess and it is getting worse by the day,” the source added.
“This is now the third complaint about some kind of issue on the programme. It came as a surprise but now the inquiry into Giovanni Pernice is ongoing it has opened the opportunity for others to complain when perhaps they wouldn’t have done before.”
So far, complaints have primarily come from contestants, but this will be the first time a professional dancer has joined in raising concerns.
The Standard has contacted the BBC for a response.
Bychkova has reportedly split from her partner and fellow dancer Kai Widdrington, 28, following two years together.
Insiders have claimed the couple’s relationship came under strain by the pressures of touring.
The pair, often referred to as the show’s “golden couple,” were said to have decided to part ways after their Behind the Magic tour ended in June.
