BREAKING: Strictly torn apart by sh0cking ageism row ahead of show launch
The BBC introduced the new ‘fab five’ as the show’s new dancers but people are all saying the same thing about them.
Strictly Come Dancing is returning on the BBC this September (Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing is set to return this September with fresh talent, new hosts and exciting celebrities, but rumours claimed the revamp has sparked tension backstage. For the first time ever, the show will feature three hosts – presenter Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe. The trio replace long-standing hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
Recently the BBC has announced a new “fab five” joining the professional dancers, and it sparked an ageism row that the majority of the newcomers are in their early 20s. They are British-born Maddie Ingoldsby, Canadian-native Mark Karmalita, 22, Aleksandra Isaeva, 22, and South African star Lethabo Monametsi, 23.
The new line-up is a striking contrast to the ages of the dancers who have left the show. A source told the Sun that some of the long-standing dancers found it hard in response to the shake-up.
The new ‘fab five’ hail from the UK, Canada, Italy, South Africa and Ukraine (Image: BBC)
They said: “At the first pro rehearsals that happened this week, everyone was very welcoming and smiley, but it’s fair to say it’s been hard for some of the longstanding pros. They are extremely loyal to their departing friends…they know it’s partly the way the industry is, and everthing needs to be refreshed, but a lot of Strictly fans are an older audience anyway, so it seems odd to always be chasing youth.
“It’s made quite a few of the pros who are mid-30s wonder if they will be out the door next.”
But another insider believed that it’s often professional dancers retire early, just like athletes, meanwhile a viewer expressed: “Dancers know they have a limited amount of time in their proefession. They are on per series contract. This is just hearsay.”
The new professional dancers line-up sparked an ageism row (Image: BBC)
A spokesperson for the BBC said: “This story is based on pure conjecture.”
Jo Wallace, Senior Commissioning Editor, BBC Entertainment said: “It’s so exciting to welcome the brilliantly talented Aleksandra, Cristian, Lethabo, Maddie and Mark. As if the return of Strictly wasn’t shaping up to be fab-u-lous enough already, they’re five more reasons why the new series is not to be missed.”
The show’s executive producer, Sarah James, praised the five new dancers are “all outstanding world class dancers”, adding: “We can’t wait to see them shine under the Strictly glitterball this September.”
