Many reality stars ‘banned’ from Strictly Come Dancing this year

Many reality stars have been banned from the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. 

BBC producers are apparently concerned that the casts of shows like The Only Way is Essex are using the Strictly brand to further their own careers. They have also said that some 'Z-list' celebrities are suggesting they are in talks with the programme when they have not been contacted at all. The Sun reports that producers of the show have decided to enforce a ban on some reality stars to ensure they can't "cash in" on the success of the BBC programme. A source told the publication:

“Certain reality celebrities have been peddling these stories about being ‘in talks’ for the show when they have never been approached. “Bosses are now fed up of hearing the same people bandying around their own names just to shift a few copies of some weight-loss DVD. "In light of this, they’ve put in place their own reality star ban to stop them from cashing in on the show.”

Harsh. This comes after ex-TOWIE star Sam Faiers was linked to the show last week. However, it is now believed that she may have to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. Gemma Collins had also expressed her desire to appear on the show, even going to far as to tell judge Craig Revel Horwood that she should be "given a chance" to compete. Revel Horwood had said that she didn't think Collins would be "high calibre" enough to take part in the show. Also apparently in talks to take to the stage on the next series of Strictly are Coleen Rooney, Michelle Keegan, and The Chase's Mark Labbett.