BBC addresses 'Strictly Come Dancing' favouritism claims

The BBC has debunked claims that Strictly Come Dancing shows favouritism to BBC talent.

Statistics shared by The Sun showed eight of the crowned winners over the programme’s 18 series were BBC stars, a total of 44%.

The high frequency with which personalities tied with the broadcaster seem to bring home the coveted Glitterball trophy is also influenced by the fact that out of 264 contestants who have competed on the show, 102 (around 39%) have worked for the BBC.

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However a representative for the BBC told The Mirror "these statistics are misleading".

"The winner of Strictly is decided by the public vote," they continued.

An insider also told the publication that many of the celebrities who take part in the programme are familiar to viewers for their work across multiple broadcasters, not just the BBC.

Since the first season in 2004, “BBC winners” have included newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, presenter Tom Chambers. Among the soap stars who won the dance competition are also Holby City’s Tom Chambers as well as EastEnders actors Jill Halfpenny and Kara Tointon.

The latest BBC tied personality to win the competition is Stacey Dooley, who won the 2018 edition of the show.

Watch: Craig Revel Horwood criticises the viewers' vote

This comes just days after Adam Peaty’s mum Caroline expressed that the show was a “total fix” after the swimmer and his professional dance partner Katya Jones were voted out after last week’s show.

She tweeted: "Such an amazing partnership and Katya you have taught my baby boy to dance, thank you.

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"Total fix and I’m not buying the public vote,” she wrote.

After scoring 27 points in their jive routine Adam and Katya were pitted against Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin in the dance-off, with viewers at home ultimately deciding to save the latter couple.