Alert – Strictly Come Dancing gets ‘major format shake-up’ for this year’s series that could ‘disrupt chemistry’ between celebrity and pro dance partners

Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly getting a format shakeup for this year’s series following the reveal of the celebrity lineup.

The under-fire show returns to screens this September with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the helm. 

Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse will also return to the judging panel for 2025.

This year’s celebrities have already been revealed, with Emmerdale star Lewis Cope being announced as the final star to join the lineup earlier this week.

However, The Sun report bosses have given the format a shakeup that will see the celebrity and professional pairings switch-up for one week only.

An insider said: ‘A switch-up week is a great way to spice up Strictly Come Dancing.

Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly getting a format shakeup for this year’s series following the reveal of the celebrity lineup

Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse will return to the judging panel for this year’s series

‘Fans will be able to vote for which celebrity they want to see dance with their favourite professional dancer.’

The source added how the new element could disrupt the flow of the show for the famous faces if they have chemistry with their dance partner.

When contacted by the Daily Mail, a Strictly spokesperson said: ‘This story isn’t true.’

Kai Widdrington previously took part in switch-up week when he starred on Dancing With The Stars in Ireland back in 2020.

Bosses introduced the format change following its success in the US, with Kai being paired with former Big Brother winner and host Brian Dowling.

Meanwhile, former Strictly pro Ian Waite has called for the BBC to launch an all-star version of the show as he called for his return to the ballroom.

He told The Mirror: ‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was an all-star version.

‘It can be in April or May as a series with all the top dogs like me and Zoe and, I don’t know, Brendan and Natasha!?’

The Sun report bosses have given the format a shakeup that will see the celebrity and professional pairings switch-up for one week only

Meanwhile, former Strictly pro Ian Waite has called for the BBC to launch an all-star version of the show as he called for his return to the ballroom

The 54-year-old also hit out at bosses for ‘never’ bringing back former pro dancers, despite other shows in the franchise doing so.

He said: ‘But Strictly don’t even bring back pros – apart from Aljaz [Škorjanec]! You don’t find that anywhere else in the – in America, they come and go, same with

‘I think it gets to be very tiring and intense. Imagine having a year out then coming back so much fresher. I’m sure a lot of the pros would like to have a break!’ 

Strictly has already been hit with a fresh scandal just weeks before the new series kicks off.

The BBC have reportedly alerted the Metropolitan Police to investigate a new allegation, after lawyers began an inquiry into the series.

The broadcaster had already launched an inquiry into the family show amid claims two of its stars had used cocaine.

According to The Sun on Sunday, detectives from the Met Police are allegedly examining other allegations.

Meanwhile, on Saturday it was revealed a Strictly Come Dancing star had been arrested on suspicion of rape.

Love Island star Dani Dyer has signed up for this year’s series with training for the very first episode now well underway

Neighbours icon Stefan Dennis has also joined the show, ahead of the final ever episode of the n soap airing at the end of this year

The male suspect is reportedly being ‘quizzed by police over allegations involving non-consensual intimate image abuse’.

A Met spokesperson told The Sun: ‘On Friday, August 22, officers arrested a man on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse. 

‘This is a joint investigation with Hertfordshire Constabulary and while the investigation is in its early stages, we urge anyone with any information to come forward to us.

‘The arrest follows a third party allegation of sexual and drug-related offences. Enquiries are ongoing.’