Some ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ partnerships were reportedly agreed prior to the so-called big reveal.
The celebrity partnerships have just been confirmed for the upcoming series of the BBC show, but according to a TV insider, as many as four of the teams were agreed months before the programme even aired.
The source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "This is complete smoke and mirrors – the 12 million viewers are being hoodwinked to some extent.
"Celebrities try to choose their dancers months before, often based on who they think is the best and who will take them the furthest in the series.
"There is a system in place where producers liaise over who people want. It’s all hidden in plain sight. The bigger the star, the higher up in the pecking order they will be."
A separate source claimed that the big-name stars are able to dictate terms to the show’s bosses.
The insider explained: "The celebrities – especially the big ones – make their choices clear and bosses make it happen. It is as simple as that.
"If the system were not in place, the show would not have so many big names."
Meanwhile, Anton du Beke recently said he was overjoyed to be partnered with Emma Barton on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The professional dancer couldn’t contain his excitement as he was given the soap star as a partner on the BBC One programme.
Asked how he felt by host Claudia Winkleman, he said: "Oh my God, I’m going to be here until Christmas!"
Strictly Come Dancing partnerships ‘are chosen before the big reveal’
