Drama behind the scenes of Strictly Come Dancing has been shared with fans.
Only into week two of the BBC live show, there are rumours of kisses being shared and feuds between two pro dancers. The argument between two contestants is said to date back to 2022 – but eagle-eyed fans have already spotted ‘tension’ in the studio that suggests it isn’t quite in the past.
Additionally, tears have been shed backstage as one contestant revealed she became “emotional” as she prepared for this weekend’s routine for a very special reason. Here’s everything we know about the Strictly backstage dramas in 2024 so far…
‘Secret romance’
Towie star Pete Wicks stunned viewers with his George of the Jungle moves on Saturday night. And things are hotting up with his dance partner Jowita Przystal behind the scenes.
Romance has apparently blossomed and Pete, 36, and Jowita, 30, are said to be “all over one another” just like a “loved-up couple would be” and this has become an “open secret” on the show, a source has claimed.
An insider told The Mail on Sunday: “It appears that we may have the first Strictly romance of the series, which is so exciting. They are the talk of the show. The other contestants are really happy for them. They are always smiling. It’s lovely. Pete has fallen head over heels for Jowita. He thinks she is amazing in every way. The feeling is mutual from her side and things have definitely progressed between them. They are all over one another behind the scenes, in a way that a loved-up couple would be.”
‘Bust up’ between pro dancers
Some fans detect what they believe is tension between two of the show’s professional dancers. The apparent rift appeared to show during last weekend’s live show.
Following Tasha Ghouri of Love Island fame and her Strictly dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec’s Barbie routine, they spoke with host Claudia Winkleman about their performance. However, it was pro dancer Katya Jones, standing in the background, who caught viewers’ attention with her glaring expression. It comes after reports that Aljaz had a bust up with a female pro dancer on a night out back in 2022.
A source previously told The Sun: “During a very drunken night out on the tour two years ago, he got into a very serious, pretty shocking altercation with another female dancer, and made her feel deeply uncomfortable. Many people were aware of the incident and it has been widely discussed backstage since. Execs would have to be living in a cave not to have heard the rumours.”
Aljaz bowed out of the show two years ago to ‘pursue an acting career’, but is now back on the show. One fan asked: “I wonder if Katya is the female pro who Aljaz ‘fell out with’ on the tour? Or I could just be reading too much into things as usual.”
His reps told the Mirror: “Aljaz has the utmost respect for everyone he works with. He chose to leave the show in 2022 of his own accord, but he has always loved Strictly and was delighted to be asked back. It is untrue to say or suggest he was forced out or that he acted in an aggressive manner at any time. He is excited to make his return to the dance floor this year.”
Tears behind the scenes
Emotions have been high behind the scenes too. Tears have been shed – but not because of another bust up, viewers will be glad to know. Miranda star Sarah Hadland has been impressing fans with her Strictly moves so far with partner Vito Coppola.
Her tribute to Dame Maggie Smith as she danced a Viennese Waltz to Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter left Sarah – and some fans – in tears. The 53-year-old actress admitted she felt “emotional” backstage as she took to the stage for the moving rendition, which was a beautiful nod to the 89-year-old’s role as Professor McGonagall in the iconic franchise.
The dance came just a week after the death of the world-famous actress.
The Oscar-winning actress sadly passed away on September 27, her devastated sons confirmed in a heartbreaking statement. As the dancing duo were introduced to the floor, Strictly host Tess Daly said: “Last week we lost a true icon of cinema.” In the pair’s VT, they also discussed their love of the late star, with Sarah admitting she “idolised Maggie Smith, one of the best actors ever” and dedicated the dance to her.
Fans also shed tears over the special performance, with one writing on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Sarah and Vito. Omg. One of my favourite ever Movie week dances. What a beautiful tribute to Dame Maggie Smith. That dance. That music. The wand raising at the end! I cried.”
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