Former rugby star Danny Cipriani may be dropped by Strictly bosses over his drug scandal past, reports claim.
The 36-year-old sportsman was a huge hit when he appeared on the star-studded Christmas special last year with previous winner Jowita Pryzstal. Their sizzling chemistry encouraged bosses to call him up to take part on the main show one year later.
But with the beloved autumn show set to return in a matter of weeks, it has been reported that BBC bosses may pull the plug on his return. According to the Mail, executives are deciding on whether or not to make a U-turn over his involvement.
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It comes after months of the long-running dance competition being shrouded in controversies and backlash over bullying and abuse claims. Now producers fear the rugby player’s previous scandal could agitate older fans in light of the recent scandals surrounding the show.
(Image: PA)
The insider told the publication: “Danny was excited to be part of the new Strictly season, having turned the producers down on quite a few occasions in the past. His drug record is a serious concern given that Strictly is a family show watched by young and old alike.
“It would be very sad if he ends up getting dropped, but the survival of the show is paramount – nothing can put that at risk.” Daily Star has reached out to Strictly Come Dancing representatives for a comment.
Danny previously admitted to using cocaine years ago, but that’s not all. The star recently admitted he has taken magic mushrooms and psychedelic ayahuasca, which is girlfriend AnnaLynne McCord, 37, said “changed his life forever.”
(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
It comes after The Sun reported last month how the first-grade athlete was meeting with the broadcaster about a return to Strictly. In last year’s special, Danny danced the Cha-Cha with 2022 winner Jowita and scored an impressive 37 out of 40 – including one perfect 10.
At the time he said: “I enjoy the way that I move to the beat of the music. It makes me feel good.” It comes after two stars were confirmed to be taking to the beloved dancefloor this autumn.
During Monday’s instalment (August 5) of This Morning, hosts Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle revealed the names of not one but two famous face who will battle it out to lift the glitterball trophy this year.
(Image: ITV)
First to take to the stage is comedian Chris McCausland who will be making history as the show’s first blind celebrity. Joining him on the dancefloor is JLS hunk JB Gill. Speaking about the upcoming show, JB said: “I danced in the Strictly Christmas special over a decade ago and loved it, so when I got the call to join Strictly this year, it was an immediate yes from me.
“I’m raring to go and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys. From muddy wellies on the fields of my farm to sequins and glitterballs – I’m here to embrace it all!”
Chris added: “If anybody out there is thinking, ‘How the hell is he going to do that?’ then rest assured that I am thinking the exactly the same thing. I don’t dance, I haven’t danced, I can’t dance, I can’t see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong? Okay, don’t answer that.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
