Strictly Come Dancing is said to have some tension behind the scenes as the professional dancers are reportedly divided about the return of the Russian dancers.
According to the Sun, some of the dancers are calling on producers to make a decision about whether Katya Jones and Luba Mustuk, both 32 and born in Saint Petersburg, should return for the next series.
Fellow professionals Nikita Kuzman, 24, and Nadiya Bychkova, 32, are of Ukrainian descent.
A source told the Sun: “Tensions are high and there’s a lot of strong feeling about this, some of the dancers would want producers to make a decision and say, ‘You can’t come back for the next series.’
(Image: BBC)
“Some of the professionals feel it’s in bad taste to have them on the show, it’s been discussed among a group of them and they are concerned about it affecting the programme and causing a backlash.”
The insider added: “Given they’re on the biggest show on television they are already open to criticism and they worry that this would only invite controversy.”
(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
However, it has been said some of the other dancers have felt it would be unfair for Katya and Luba to be excluded based on their nationality, with the insider adding the pair have done “nothing wrong” and are “gutted” by the conflict in Ukraine.
Daily Star has contacted a representative for Strictly Come Dancing for comment.
The Ukraine conflict has sparked a divide for some BBC stars, as James Jordan hit out at some of the professionals on social media in a heated rant.
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Fever)
He posted on Twitter: “I don’t see many of the Russian dancers I know, and have even shared the Strictly dance floor with, openly speaking out about the war against Ukraine.
“But they are still promoting themselves on social media? Very disappointed.”
However, a number of the show’s stars have posted to their account, including Katya, Nikita and Motsi Mabuse.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
