Bosses are reportedly keen to avoid any further controversies this year, and are “taking no chances” in bookings.
Blue Peter presenters Joel Mawhinney and Shini Muthukrishnan are said to be in the running, along with Tom Parker Bowles, Queen Camilla’s son.
According to the MailOnline, a host of famous faces have already been approached for this year’s series, which is set to get underway in September.
Other big names reportedly lined up include former I’m A Celebrity winner Georgia Toffolo, Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts, ex-Love Island star Dani Dyer, and former Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan.
A BBC insider reportedly told MailOnline: “There will be stringent checks, and asking around, and digging into potential stars’ backgrounds to make sure that they’re not choosing anyone who might damage the show.
“For years, there was the whole Strictly ‘curse’ where the contestants and professionals kept having affairs. But that stopped.
“Changes were made to the partnerships and it worked. There have been other issues in the past couple of years, though.
“Going forward, those at the top want a wholesome image to shine through. No more scandal – just joy.”
It follows recent controversies on Strictly, where professional dancer Giovanni Pernice was the subject of an internal investigation.
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Former BBC Radio Wales host Wynne Evans also issued a public apology for making what he called an “inappropriate and unacceptable” comment during the Strictly live tour launch in December last year.
Earlier this week, EastEnders’ actor Jamie Borthwick was also suspended by the BBC after allegedly using a slur against disabled people while filming Strictly in Blackpool.
The BBC declined to comment on any speculation regarding this year’s series when approached by Newsquest.
