Strictly Come Dancing has reportedly become caught up in another favouritism row with several stars and viewers accusing BBC bosses of giving out special treatment to certain contestants.
Zara McDermott and Bobby Brazier are both starring on the current series of the hit dancing show, while also being rising stars on the BBC.
Former Love Island star Zara, 26, has presented a series of documentaries for the broadcaster while Bobby, 20, stars on popular soap EastEnders.
It has now been reported that other Strictly stars have been growing annoyed at what they see as the bosses playing favourites.
Their suspicions have been exacerbated after Zara was once again saved in the dance-off on Sunday.
Playing favourites: Strictly Come Dancing has reportedly become caught up in another favouritism row with several stars and viewers accusing BBC bosses of giving out special treatment to certain contestants (Zara McDermott pictured)
Keeping it in the family: Zara McDermott and Bobby Brazier (pictured) are both starring on the current series of the hit dancing show, while also being rising stars on the BBC
Special treatment: It has now been reported that other Strictly stars have been growing annoyed at what they see as the bosses playing favourites
Speaking to The Sun, a show insider said: ‘Bobby and Zara are very much seen as ‘BBC favourites’ by their Strictly co-stars. After she was saved there were more than a few eyebrows raised backstage.’
They further claim that speculation is building that the BBC is purposefully giving Zara and Bobby a leg up in the competition, as they have a vested interest in building their popularities.
The source said: ‘Bobby and Zara are both big deals for the BBC. There are rumours of an “agenda” to further them both on the show.
‘There seems to be an element of jealousy that Zara is through to another week. She is very much a golden girl for the BBC.
‘And by giving Bobby a whirl on Strictly they can gauge his popularity outside the soap.’
MailOnline have contacted representatives for Strictly Come Dancing for comment.
It appears that several viewers are in agreement about the favouritism claims, with fans being left divided after Eddie Kadi was eliminated over Zara last weekend.
The comedian, 40, and partner Karen Hauer faced the reality star in the dreaded dance-off, but was sent home by the judges.
Live to see another day: Their suspicions have been exacerbated after Zara was once again saved in the dance-off on Sunday
Hidden agenda: Speculation is allegedly building that the BBC is purposefully giving Zara and Bobby a leg up in the competition, as they have a vested interest in building their popularities
However some watching at home questioned the decision on social media – especially as just two weeks ago Eddie was scored a 10 from Shirley Ballas for his Men In Black routine in Movie Week.
It came as Zara reflected on being in the bottom two again as she took to Instagram to say her ‘nerves got the better of her’ with this week’s routine.
One viewer said of the result on X: ‘I’m absolutely gutted Eddie and Karen have been eliminated, Eddie should be proud of himself and how well he has done.’
Another said: ‘So sad to see them go. Eddie and Karen had something special and I can agree that Eddie’s natural groove could get in his way, but he can move.’
A third posted: ‘Didn’t agree with that result at all tonight.’
A fourth said: ‘Eddie and Karen should have stayed in Strictly I’m no judge but they blend so well and have so much more rhythm…’
The elimination came just two weeks after the pair scored a 10 from Shirley Ballas for their Movie Week Men In Black routine.
Zara took to her social media after to express how she was feeling after a few tough weeks.
Split: It appears that several viewers are in agreement about the favouritism claims, with fans being left divided after Eddie Kadi was eliminated over Zara last weekend
Farewell: The comedian, 40, and partner Karen Hauer faced the reality star in the dreaded dance-off, but was sent home by the judges
Opinions: However some watching at home questioned the decision on social media – especially as just two weeks ago Eddie was scored a 10 from Shirley Ballas for his Men In Black routine in Movie Week
She penned: ‘Being in the dance off for the second time was definitely not the easiest moment of our Strictly journey so far.
‘I think I let those nerves get the better of me during our performance, and I knew I could have done better.
‘I definitely felt like I let myself down when I walked off the dance floor, as I knew I could have pushed through those jelly legs a bit more, both physically & mentally!
‘But.. the main thing is that we are so grateful to the judges for saving us. I’m just not ready for this journey to be over, and the thought of leaving last night broke my heart.
‘I’ve made a promise to myself & Graz that this week I am going to work on controlling those nerves, and not letting them get in the way of me doing my BEST!’
Tough: It came as Zara reflected on being in the bottom two again as she took to Instagram to say her ‘nerves got the better of her’ with this week’s routine
