Strictly Come Dancing Cuts Budget Amid Scandal

Ahead of its 2024 return, BBC has cut the budget for Strictly Come Dancing to allocate funds for enhanced welfare measures amid ongoing bullying and misconduct allegations involving former contestants, including Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima. The decision to reduce the casting budget has resulted in a lineup perceived as lackluster, featuring more male celebrities than females, which has upset long-time fans. Insiders revealed that money was redirected to pay for chaperones and welfare producers, raising concerns about potential financial implications from the allegations. The cast for the upcoming season is noted to be one of the cheapest in years, leading to disappointment among audiences familiar with higher-profile celebrities. The show aims to implement a new team of production staff to monitor rehearsals for inappropriate behavior, attempting to restore its image as it approaches its 20th anniversary. The 22nd season is set to premiere on September 14, 2024, amidst these controversies.