‘There is genuine panic backstage’

DAN:

It might be one of the BBC’S best-loved shows, but Strictly’s squeakyclean image appears to be under threat, with Lorraine showbiz presenter Dan Wootton telling Closer that the latest scandal could have caused irreparable damage to the show. He tells us, “There are so many stars who would not consider doing Strictly now. It’s going to be so much more difficult for the show to attract the calibre of celebs it had attracted in the past. There are a lot of big names that are staying away because they’re terrified of the curse, or because their partners won’t let them do it – there is a risk now that the show could ruin their relationships.”

Dan, 35, also reveals that Seann and Katya’s secret rendezvous has caused major rifts backstage, after half of the pro dancers turned against her, choosing to side with the star’s hubby, Neil.

“There are big divisions behind the scenes,” he explains. “Some of the dancers feel sorry for Neil, but some of them are taking Katya’s side. The judges feel it’s put them in a very uncomfortable position because every word they say is now going to be overanalysed.”

And it seems as if show bosses are feeling the heat, too, with Strictly’s family friendly reputation under threat. Dan reveals, “There is genuine panic backstage. Bosses will be concerned about what has happened, and they will also not like that there have been seedy undertones on the show. People like to paint the picture of the Strictly fairy tale, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.”