Claudia and Tess 'terrified' of being tarnished by scandal

As stories of mistreatment circulate in the run-up to the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, a source tells new how Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have made a pact to both quit as co-hosts if one of them decides to leave

- Kenzi Devine

Strictly Come Dancing is preparing to return to BBC One after being plagued by misconduct allegations, with professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice both axed from this year’s line-up.

As training gets underway for the series, a source told new that co-presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are leaning on each other as they hope to make things work on the scandal-stricken show.

“Tess and Claudia have been having panic talks and are terrified about what’s going to happen next – and are worried that they may be dragged into it,” claimed the source. “They love Strictly because it’s such a family-friendly show and that’s being ruined. They don’t want their reputation ruined as well.”

Despite usually hitting the headlines for impressive dance routines and steamy, heartwarming or unlikely partnerships, the dance show has suffered several recent blows. Just a few weeks ago, allegations of gross misconduct by Graziano, 30, towards Zara McDermott, his celebrity partner from last series, came to light with the professional dancer having since admitted to kicking Zara during training.

The scandal came after actress Amanda Abbington, who also appeared in the most recent series of Strictly, accused her professional partner Giovanni, 33, of acting in an “abusive, cruel and mean” manner. Giovanni denies these claims.