What is it with this series of Strictly? First it was rumoured that many top stars were refusing to take part in the show because of a “curse”.
And now it’s been revealed that two of the celebrities who HAVE signed up have double-booked – they’re due to appear in Christmas pantomimes BEFORE the series finishes.
Oh yes, they are.
Show bosses were reportedly not too happy about the mix-up, with one BBC source describing it as “embarrassing”.
Debbie McGee, 58, is set to appear as The Good Fairy in Beauty And The Beast at York’s Grand Opera House, while Brian Conley will star as Buttons in Cinderella at Milton Keynes Theatre.
Both shows overlap with the Strictly series, which traditionally runs from September until mid-December.
But the BBC source was adamant that McGee and Conley will have to honour their dancefloor commitments, at the expense of panto fans.
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“This isn’t the first time this has happened, and it’s a touch embarrassing for the acts,” they told The Sun.
“But they will have to miss out on certain panto dates because of the Strictly contracts. No doubt many people will be upset at not seeing who they’re paying to see at the theatres.”
Both Debbie and Brian are scheduled to perform in their respective pantomimes on the night of the Strictly final.
And while there’s every chance neither celebrity will make it that far in the competition, the Strictly producers like to have all that series’ acts in front of the camera for the big finale.
A similar situation arose in the 2012 series, when former Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley and CBBC star Dani Harmer were both booked to appear in panto.
Both stars were forced to miss the start of their festive shows.
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Despite those rumours about stars being reluctant to sign up for Strictly, the producers eventually got their quota of contestants.
With Alexandra Burke, Simon Rimmer and Ruth Langsford all taking part, it looks like being a cracking series after all.
And hopefully Debbie and Brian will soon be able to put this whole episode BEHIND THEM!