Two stars of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing competition are receiving ‘preferential treatment’, it has been alleged.
The pair in question are Bobby Brazier and Zara McDermott, who both have other commitments to Strictly broadcaster, BBC. Away from the dance show, Bobby, 20, stars in the Beeb’s flagship soap, EastEnders, whilst Zara, 26, is to present a four-part documentary series next year on BBC1.
The claim comes after former Love Islander Zara was saved by judges Craig Revell Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke following her week four dance-off against Eddie Kadi on Sunday. Although Zara and her professional dance partner, Graziano Di Prima, faired better than Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe on Saturday, the pair fell into the bottom two following the public vote.
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Actor Bobby and his partner Dianne Buswell, meanwhile, finished in fourth place on the leaderboard out of the 11 remaining couples.
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Now, it is claimed some of Bobby and Zara’s celebrity co-stars have noticed that Zara and Bobby are the favourites. A source told the Sun: “Bobby and Zara are very much seen as ‘BBC favourites’ by their Strictly co-stars.
“After she was saved there were more than a few eyebrows raised backstage.” Indeed, Zara received a unanimous backing from the four judges, meaning radio presenter misses out on appearing in the programme’s Halloween special this weekend.
(Image: BBC)
The source continued: “Bobby and Zara are both big deals for the BBC. There are rumours of an ‘agenda’ to further them both on the show.” They added that Zara is seen as the “golden girl” of the BBC, whilst Bobby’s continuation on the show allows the broadcaster to “gauge his popularity” outside of his Albert Square role.
Reacting to Zara’s dance-off success, one X (formerly Twitter user) agreed: “It’s a fix. Zara didn’t dance. She spent 90% in the air. #strictly.” Another added: “The judging this week was diabolical.”
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
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A third commented: They were both terrible TBF, but Zara spent the majority of the dance in the air, or being stiffer than a statue. Eddie should have stayed!” And a fourth said: “So Eddie and Karen danced in their dance off. And Zara was carried. So obviously Zara was saved. that’s me done with watching. As long as it isn’t a trained dancer winning then it’s all good.”
Strictly was rocked on Monday by news actress, Amanda Abbington, won’t be returning to the contest after missing Saturday’s live show due to health reasons. A statement read out by Fleur East on It Takes Two on Monday read: “Amanda Abbington is unable to continue Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition. The show wishes her all the best for the future.”
Daily Star has invited a representative for the BBC to comment.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
