In an unprecedented twist for *Strictly Come Dancing*, the upcoming season will feature a lineup with more men than women for the first time ever. This news comes as the show faces mounting controversy over allegations of bullying and abusive behavior among the professional dancers.
The full cast list was leaked on Monday, revealing a striking gender imbalance. Among the confirmed stars are Chris McCausland, JB Gill, Toyah Wilcox, Punam Krishnan, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri, Pete Wicks, and Wynne Evans.
Additionally, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and Miranda actress Sarah Hadland are also set to join the cast.
The lineup is rounded out by presenter Nick Knowles, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, footballer Paul Merson, presenter Sam Quek, singer Shayne Ward, Gladiator Montell Douglas, and Sarah Hadland.
This season will see nine men and only six women participating, a shift that some believe might be linked to recent scandals affecting the show.
Controversy and Impact
Sources suggest that the ongoing controversies have likely influenced the show’s recruitment process.
The current gender disparity is unprecedented in the show’s history, raising concerns that the recent abuse scandals may have deterred potential female contestants.
An insider commented, “Given the controversies, it’s difficult not to see how they could have impacted the recruitment.”
On Wednesday, Tasha Ghouri and Pete Wicks were confirmed as part of the new series. Tasha, who is the first Love Island star with a cochlear implant to join the show, has been an advocate for the deaf community.
She expressed her excitement, saying, “It’s a dream come true to be on Strictly. I hope to make everyone proud.”
Pete also shared his mixed emotions about joining the show, stating he was both excited and nervous. He revealed that his best friend Sam Thompson was thrilled and has even planned to support him every week.
The Shadow of Recent Scandals
The show has recently been rocked by allegations of abuse.
Last year, Amanda Abbington left the show and claimed her partner Giovanni Pernice was abusive.
There were also reports that Graziano Di Prima was dismissed for his behavior towards Love Island star Zara McDermott. These issues have cast a shadow over *Strictly*, especially as it marks its 20th anniversary.
Laura Whitmore Speaks Out
Adding to the turmoil, Laura Whitmore has accused BBC bosses of ‘gaslighting’ her regarding her experience on *Strictly*. The TV presenter, who was paired with Giovanni Pernice in 2016, revealed she had raised concerns about his behavior but felt her complaints were dismissed.
In a recent interview, Laura noted how the industry has evolved, with women now more vocal about their experiences.
She expressed frustration that her past complaints, made in 2016, are only now being acknowledged amid the current wave of allegations.
Advocacy and Transparency
Laura has been vocal on social media, trying to correct misinformation and support the investigation into the abuse claims. She emphasized that her goal is not to seek retribution but to ensure that the issues she faced do not happen to others in the future.
Her efforts aim to highlight a pattern of behavior that she believes needs to end, advocating for a safer environment for future participants on the show.
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