, updated
BBC bosses have slashed Strictly’s budget for the upcoming 20th series amid a series of scandals which could lead to payouts for former stars.
The casting budget on the flagship show was cut in the wake of the Strictly bullying scandal, according to Corporation sources.
Instead funding has been diverted to increased welfare measures on the dance show.
There are concerns among bosses of further financial strain as former stars line up to make claims for being mistreated during their time on the show.
The current scandal has seen numerous allegations of misbehaviour and forced professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice to exit the long-running Saturday night programme.