Strictly Come Dancing’s professionals have allegedly urged BBC bosses to BAN YouTube stars this year following Joe Sugg’s success on the show.
Joe and partner Dianne Buswell finished as joint runners-up of last year’s series, behind winners Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton.
However, a report suggests some pros believe Joe had his huge online fanbase to thank for making the final.
According to The Sun, Strictly regulars have asked the Beeb to avoid casting social media stars with millions of followers for the next run, as they may have an unfair advantage.
“Joe’s huge popularity caused some tension last year after he was being voted to stay in the show each week,” the paper’s source commented.
“He wasn’t the best dancer, so his place on the show was purely based on his fanbase.
“Now the pros are going to unite and ask for no social media personalities for a year, to give everyone a level playing field.”
Joe has over 8million subscribers on his main YouTube channel, ThatcherJoe, and 3.7million on his side channel, ThatcherJoeVlogs.
He also boasts 5.7million followers on Instagram and nearly 5.5million on Twitter.
By comparison, Stacey has 700,000 followers on Instagram, and only 280,000 on Twitter.
“The professionals talk regularly on different points relating to the show,” the insider added. “This has been a hot topic.”
The BBC has yet to comment on the claims.
Heiress Tamara Ecclestone and popstars Keith Duffy and Natasha Hamilton are among celebs tipped to brave the dancefloor in 2019.
Chiefs are also apparently eager to sign a member of the Royal Family, such as Zara Phillips or Sarah Ferguson.
Although there’s six months to wait before Strictly returns, the professionals line-up for series 17 has already been confirmed.
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