BBC Strictly Come Dancing sparks fan backlash as 'amazing' star 'snubbed'

Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left gutted after Lauren Oakley was one of the pros left without a partner for the 2024 series.

The dazzling BBC One show returned to our screens on Saturday (September 14), marking the start of its 20th series. Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were back to introduce another group of 15 celebrities to the dance floor for its pre-recorded launch show.

Celebrities such as JB Gill, Tasha Ghouri and Nick Knowles have all signed up to strut their stuff in an attempt to secure a place in the final and win the coveted Glitterball trophy.

Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke are also back, ready to share their initial impressions of the pairings. The series also sees the return of fan-favourite pro Amy Dowden, following her battle with breast cancer.

Lauren Oakley
Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left gutted after Lauren Oakley was one of the pros left without a partner for the 2024 series -Credit:PA

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However, one noticeable professional without a celebrity partner this year is Lauren. The Birmingham-based dancer joined the show last year, partnering with Krishnan Guru-Murthy, reports the Express.

But for the 2024 series, she is not part of the main professional dancer line-up. And viewers believe this could be due to Giovanni Pernice.

Strictly fans will remember that Giovanni Pernice left the show earlier this year, following bullying allegations from his celebrity dance partner Amanda Abbington. Giovanni has strongly denied the allegations made by Amanda.

Following Lauren's surprising absence from the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 line-up, speculation is rife amongst fans that her close association with professional dancer Giovanni may have influenced the decision to leave her without a celebrity partner this season. Lauren, who enjoys a friendship with Giovanni and recently took part in his 'Let Me Entertain You' tour, has been at the forefront of viewer discussions.

On the platform once known as Twitter, a user lamented: "Why hasn't @laurenmayoakley been given a partner this year? ? Booooo."

They voiced concerns about her ongoing relationship with Giovanni possibly being a factor: "Hope this isn't something kind of punishment for her remaining close professionally to Gio. Will miss seeing your amazing teaching this year, Lauren!".

Giovanni Pernice
Giovanni Pernice

Another fan questioned the situation's connection to her support for Giovanni, stirring reactions over on social media. Fans also took to the comment section of Lauren's Instagram to express their theories, with one suggesting: "Am I right in thinking that it is because Lauren is supporting Giovanni on his tour?"

Another echoed a similar sentiment, referencing both Lauren and Kai Widdrington's backing of Giovanni as a potential reason for the snub: "Lauren and Kai have both supported Giovanni is that why they didn't get a partner? ". The BBC has contacted for a comment.

Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One