BBC bosses slash rehearsal time for Strictly Come Dancing contestants in attempt to stop tempers fraying following bullying scandal

For two decades, Strictly’s contestants have endured gruelling long days in the rehearsal studio, toiling away to ensure their Saturday-night routines are perfect.

But now The Mail on Sunday can reveal that following the bullying scandal engulfing the programme, BBC bosses have banned couples from training for more than six hours at a time, in an attempt to stop tempers fraying from exhaustion.

One show insider says: ‘It’s hoped this will create a better environment for the celebs, in the wake of all the mistreatment claims. 

‘It has been accepted that the long hours are not helpful and are often behind fallouts and frayed tempers.

‘The new rules mean most couples are now starting earlier in the morning and finishing in the early afternoon, which means everyone is far less tired.’

According to insider sources the new rules will mean training will have to be divided into two seperate slots with ‘signifanct time inbetween’ (Pictured: Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones)

However other sources have said concerns have been raised that celebs won’t meet the high standards of previous years without the training time (Pictured: Sam Quek)

Strictly sources say the new rules mean that if contestants want to spend longer practising, they have to split their training into two shifts and take a ‘significant’ break between them.

Another source added: ‘You get some contestants who are determined to win and they will train and train and train. 

And while that is to be applauded, it causes tiredness and frustration which isn’t always such a positive thing.’

However, insiders say the new regime will spark concerns that celebrities won’t reach the same high standards as previously, widening the gulf between amateur dancers and the more experienced ones. 

Last week, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri and former boyband star JB Gill – both of whom have professional dance experience – topped the leaderboard, scoring 30 and 31 respectively.

On a positive side, however, another show insider says it will lower the chances of the ‘Strictly curse’ striking, with fewer chances of late-night drinks and dinners testing celebrities’ fidelity.

The move also means the BBC doesn’t have to pay overtime to its new chaperones, who are now present in rehearsals.

Last year, pro-dancer Graziano Di Prima was sacked after kicking Zara McDermott in frustration during rehearsals. He later apologised. 

Results of a five-month inquiry into actress Amanda Abbington’s claims that her pro-partner, Giovanni Pernice, bullied her – which he denies – are expected within a fortnight.