Controversy has erupted over Dani Dyer’s participation in the forthcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing after revelations emerged about her apparent extensive dance background.
The 29-year-old former Love Island winner previously declared in her 2019 autobiography that she would list “qualified dancer” amongst her credentials on her CV.
The disclosure has prompted accusations of unfair advantage, with critics questioning whether the reality television personality should compete alongside genuinely inexperienced celebrities.
According to her own written account, Mrs Dyer attended O’Farrell’s Stage School from the age of two until she was fourteen, where she trained in multiple dance disciplines.
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The controversy mirrors similar disputes from the previous series, when contestants with professional dance backgrounds faced public criticism over their participation in the BBC programme.
In her bestselling book What Would Dani Do? My Guide to Living Your Best Life, Mrs Dyer is understood to have detailed her passion for performance, writing: “It was called O’Farrell’s Stage School and I was a really good little dancer.
“I’m not a bad singer but it was the dance stuff I loved more – jazz, tap, ballet, modern. I’d get home and prance around the house.”
The daughter of EastEnders actor Danny Dyer revealed she had long harboured ambitions to appear on the programme, stating in her book: “If Strictly Come Dancing want to give me a call I’d also be happy to be whisked around the dance floor.”
Her performing aspirations began early, though she faced rejection when auditioning for Billy Elliot aged nine, an experience that left her devastated.
Meanwhile, bookmakers have installed Mrs Dyer as the early frontrunner to claim the Glitterball Trophy at odds of 4/1, with YouTuber George Clarke trailing at 6/1 amongst the nine contestants announced thus far.
Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes commented: “Dani Dyer is the current pick of this year’s Strictly pack, but with contestants still to be announced, we could soon see someone waltz past her to the head of the betting.”
The situation echoes last year’s controversy when Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri, who possessed professional dance training, faced significant criticism from viewers who branded her inclusion a “fix”.
Actress Sarah Hadland and JLS member JB Gill encountered similar accusations of having unfair advantages due to their performance backgrounds, though none ultimately claimed victory, with contestant Chris McCausland taking the crown.
The revelations about Mrs Dyer’s dance background emerge as Strictly grapples with multiple scandals that have tarnished the programme’s reputation.
The BBC recently commissioned a legal investigation into allegations of Class A drug use by two unnamed individuals associated with the show.
Reports suggest one person was also suspected of consuming alcohol whilst working.
A staff member alleged that cocaine use occurred regularly at after-show gatherings at Elstree Studios, claiming parties continued until the early hours with drug-taking in outdoor smoking areas.
The whistleblower stated they were offered cocaine by a performer and described the annual Blackpool special as particularly notorious for excessive partying.
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These drug allegations compound existing controversies, including the investigation into Giovanni Pernice following Amanda Abbington’s complaints and Wynne Evans’s inappropriate conduct during tour preparations.
GB News has contacted Mrs Dyer’s representatives over the reports.