Britain’s Got Talent has been accused of trying to overshadow one of Strictly Come Dancing’s ‘special moments’ after making a huge format change.
It has been claimed the ITV show will film a ‘big chunk’ of auditions in Blackpool in an attempt to ‘replicate’ and challenge the success of Strictly’s Blackpool Week.
Blackpool Week, which sees the stars perform routines at the Tower Ballroom, is a highlight for fans of the BBC show and considered a ‘milestone’ for contestants.
A TV insider told The Sun: ‘Strictly’s annual jaunt to Blackpool is one of the show’s “special moments” and is widely seen as a milestone for the contestants.
‘But now that trip will be replicated by its ITV rival, there’s little doubt they’re trying to encroach on their territory.
Join Metro’s Strictly community on WhatsApp
Want to be the first to get all the latest news and rumours from the Strictly dancefloor?
Simply click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we’ve just dropped the latest spoilers. Keep dancing!
‘It’s yet another move to take on the dominance of Strictly on Saturday night telly.’
BGT will reportedly film a ‘big chunk’ of the auditions in Blackpool (Picture: Dymond/Thames/Shutterstock)
Blackpool Week is filmed in the iconic Tower Ballroom (Picture: PA)
Blackpool Week is a ‘milestone’ for the contestants (Picture: PA)
The addition of more Blackpool auditions is not the only huge reported overhaul of the upcoming series of BGT.
It has been claimed that TV bosses are considering replacing Bruno Tonioli, who was reportedly described as ‘one tone and hysterical’ by one executive, despite Simon Cowell wanting him to remain.
The music mogul later confirmed there may be a ‘stand-in judge’ as BGT’s filming dates clash with Bruno’s commitments to Dancing with the Stars in America.
It has also been alleged the BGT top dogs are considering taking advantage of his ‘scheduling conflicts’ to oust Bruno, who replaced David Walliams, from the show.
Strictly’s Blackpool Week is a highlight for viewers (Picture: PA)
‘Nobody else has been agreed upon or approached as a replacement, currently, the question is just — do we keep Bruno at all?’
The source added to The Sun that there is much discussion currently taking place. ‘It’s nothing sinister, but maybe a change would be better,’ it added.
One of Strictly’s major stars will also not be joining the beloved BBC show this year.
Giovanni Pernice was not included in the line-up of professional dancers after claims of abusive or threatening behaviour, which he has strongly rejected.
ITV bosses also reportedly want to replace Bruno on the show (Picture: David Fisher/Shutterstock)
Giovanni will not be performing in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing (Picture: PA/BBC)
The allegations came to light after Giovanni’s celebrity partner last year, Amanda Abbington, quit unexpectedly mid-way through for ‘personal reasons’, despite being a favourite.
The Sherlock star, 52, and two other women made accusations of misconduct, which led to Giovanni stepping down from the show after several years.
He maintains innocence and has said in a statement that he wishes to clear his name.
Giovanni is reportedly ‘confident’ that the bullying row will come to an end soon and has thanked fans for their support.
Meanwhile, every other Strictly professional from the last series will return this autumn, including longest-serving dancer Karen Hauer and Amy Dowden, who took a break last series to undergo treatment for breast cancer.
Aljaž is coming back to Strictly as a professional after a two year break (Picture: BBC Picture Archives)
Fan-favourite Aljaž Škorjanec also announced his return to Strictly this week after a two-year hiatus.
He said: ‘I could not be more ecstatic to be back with the Strictly family! This year is such a special one for this legendary show, I can’t wait to be a part of it and make my return to the dancefloor.
‘I had an absolute ball during my nine-year stint on Strictly, during my time away I became a parent, which has been an exciting challenge in itself and now I’m ready to experience the Strictly magic again.
‘It feels so right to be coming back, I missed the fun, glitter and the judges of course and I hope to make my daughter Lyra proud!’
