STRICTLY Come Dancing bosses have banned long training sessions in the wake of the show's bullying scandal. Professionals and celebrities will only be allowed up to six hours in the rehearsal studios at a time to keep couples sweet. Producers believe that exhaustion is one of the main factors behind arguments, say show insiders.
But some critics have hit back at the move, saying the standard of dancing won't match up to previous years. A source told The Mail on Sunday : "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.
read more on strictly "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." If contestants want to spend longer rehearsing, they will have to split their training into two shifts and factor in a substantial break between them. One TV insider said that some contestants are "determined to win" and will want to spend all their time practicing.
They added that whilst that's a positive thing, it can lead to tiredness and frustration. Most read in TV Another show insider said that less time in rehearsals will lower the chances of the "Strictly curse" unfolding between partners. There are also chaperones this year to watch over rehearsals and make sure everything is above board.
The six-hour training limit .