BBC Strictly Come Dancing bosses shut down favouritism claims with Zara

23 October 2023 , 22:36

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BBC Strictly Come Dancing bosses shut down favouritism claims with Zara

A Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson has shut down reports that its bosses have been playing favourites behind-the-scenes of the glitzy competition.

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice's exit from the BBC reality show on Monday evening may currently be dominating headlines, but it has since been speculated that other issues have also been brewing backstage amongst the contestants. It's been rumoured that Strictly bosses have displayed preferential treatment to two celebrities on this year's season, leading to some discontent from the other participants.

However, these reports have now been shut down by a Strictly source, who told the Mirror: "All of the judges are hugely experienced individuals who judge on dance and dance alone in the main show and in the dance offs. Any conspiracy theories suggesting otherwise are simply untrue." The statement comes after it was reported that Bobby Brazier, 20, and Zara McDermott, 26, were being given better treatment to the other celebrities.

Strictly Come Dancing has shut down rumours that Bobby Brazier has received preferential treatment

Zara and Graziano were saved in the dance-off last week, prompting rumours of favouritism

"Bobby and Zara are very much seen as ‘BBC favourites’ by their Strictly co-stars," a source told the Sun on Monday, before hinting there was backlash to the Love Island star winning the dance off against Eddie Kadi on Sunday night. The judges unanimously chose to keep Zara and Graziano di Prima in the competition over the British-Congolese comedian and his partner, Karen Hauer, despite the fact that the latter couple had bagged an impressive 34 in Week 3. "After she was saved there were more than a few eyebrows raised backstage," the insider continued.

Many viewers were also quick to vent their frustration with the judges' decision, with some even arguing that Eddie's performance was superior to Zara's. The reality star was particularly criticized for failing to show off the same level of footwork as her opponent, because most of the moves saw her being spun around or carried in the air.

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It's understood EastEnders star Bobby Brazier is another favourite, with his high-profile status making him a beloved star off-camera. "Bobby and Zara are both big deals for the BBC," the source added. "There are rumours of an ‘agenda’ to further them both on the show....By giving Bobby a whirl on Strictly they can gauge his popularity outside the soap."

Bobby is also currently tipped as the bookies' favourite to win at 2/1, overtaking EastEnders star Nigel Harman and Coronation Street star Ellie Leach, who are 5/2 and 4/1, respectively. Fourth in line for the throne is Irish TV presenter Angela Scanlon, followed by English actor Layton Williams and, until tonight, Amanda Abbington.

Emma Dooney