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Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left scratching their heads following the latest celebrity line-up announcements.
While there are usually cries of “who?!” over one or two celebrities on social media, this year there have been an increasing number of people declaring the signings “underwhelming” and “disappointing”.
The BBC dance competition has been promoting how this year is special as it marks their 20th anniversary, but unless show bosses are hiding a massive trump card up their sleeves, many have remarked on there being “no big stars”.
Names announced so far include JLS singer JB Gill, comedian Chris McCausland, opera singer (and the Go Compare advert man) Wynne Evans, TV doctor Punam Krishan, 80s chart-topper Toyah Willcox and The Only Way Is Essex reality star Pete Wicks.
Other contenders include EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, three-time Olympic swimming champion Tom Dean, Love Islander Tasha Ghouri, former X Factor winner and Coronation Street star Shayne Ward and Miranda actress Sarah Hadland.
This has led to one online user declaring it “may be the worst to ever exist”, with another remarking: “Shouldn’t they be pulling out all the stars for the big 20th anniversary? Something has gone on.”
Preparations for the next series come as Strictly faces its biggest crisis to-date, as a wave of complaints from past celebrity contestants have been made in recent months over claims of “abuse” and “bullying”.
Professional Graziano Di Prima, 30, was axed from the show after claims he hit and spat at his dancing partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals for last year’s series.
Giovanni Pernice, 33, was suspended while the broadcaster launches an investigation into claims of off-camera misconduct made by Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celebrity partners.
The Italian native has vowed “I’ll be back” and has reportedly provided a dossier of evidence to the BBC probe that he believes will exonerate him.
Results from the investigation were expected to be announced last week, but have as yet to materialise.
In lieu of any findings, many have speculated that even the existence of allegations have had a detrimental affect on the show.
Adding fuel to the fire is reports that this year is set to feature the “fewest female celebrities” ever.
A source told The Sun: "Looking at the figures, it’s hard to see how the ongoing controversy over bullying could not have affected the recruitment process for this year’s Strictly. At no point in the show’s history has there been such a small proportion of women."
"It probably wasn’t the landmark number they wanted, given the show is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The most serious claims of abuse and bullying have involved male pros and their treatment of female celebrity dance partners,” the insider added.
