This year’s Strictly Come Dancing contestants have fought hard to survive in the competition long enough to get to Blackpool – but a new report says the move has become a “headache” for BBC bosses, who are now having to dramatically ramp up security.
This weekend’s show will see the entire crew of TV stars, judges and professional dancers arrive en masse at the Lancashire landmark – but it unfortunately coincides with a massive protest about fracking.
An insider at The Sun says security is being beefed up to protect the team, in a move described as “drastic”.
Their source adds: “The producers were hoping they could stage this year’s Blackpool event without any mishaps. But the demonstration is something of a headache for them.
“Any protests brings with it the risk of some kind of incident, and an event as high profile as Strictly provides the protesters with a real platform.”
A BBC spokeswoman said: “We take security and the safety of our cast and crew very seriously. All our security arrangements are reviewed and adjusted accordingly for every live show.”
Read more: Strictly’s Danny John-Jules will reportedly “never return” to show after bullying allegations
It follows a series of serious incidents during previous visits to Blackpool, including a violent assault on professional dancer Gorka Marquez.
Gorka, who is dating previous Strictly star Gemma Atkinson, was punched in the face by a gang of youths in Blackpool two years ago.
He lost two of his teeth and tweeted: “Thanks for all your kind messages and support about Blackpool. It was a bad experience but I’m feeling better and just want to look forward to the show on Saturday!”
https://twitter.com/gorkamarquez1/status/800746312119373825
The year before that, dressing rooms at Blackpool Tower were robbed during filming, with stars losing jewellery and their phones.
It’s unlikely show bosses want any more drama, after a series unusually beset by negative headlines.
Just this past week, head judge Shirley Ballas was forced to defend herself against allegations of “jealousy” after viewers criticised her comments to favourite contestant Faye Tozer.
Meanwhile, the most recently axed star, Danny John-Jules has reportedly vowed never to return to the show, after allegations of on-set bullying around his dance partner Amy Dowden.
Read more: Strictly’s Shirley Ballas hits back at viewers accusing her of hate campaign
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