BBC Strictly Come Dancing facing fierce ageism row as latest controversy rocks show

is facing an ageism row after are said to be facing the axe.

Some of the show's favourite stars who have competed for years are reportedly at risk of losing their jobs. It would markHowever, reports of the potential axing haven't gone down well already.

It has been claimed Nadiya Bychkova, 35, Neil Jones, 42, Karen Hauer, 42, Gorka Marquez, 34, and Katya Jones, 35, are the five in question. They have been dubbed the "fading stars" of the Strictly professional dancers lineup and

Katya is the only professional out of those named who is still in this year's competition. Yet, she recently found herself embroiled in a "groping" scandal with her celebrity partner Wynne Evans. "The review of the line-up has always been about making a fresh start, and that was always going to be affected by which dancers performed well this series," a source told.

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"The feeling is that the Strictly troupe is made up of some fading stars, while others are rising stars. And in many cases there are certain characters whose shoes can easily be filled with younger, up-and-coming counterparts. It's harsh but it's just part of the traditional turnover of showbusiness."

Fans haven't been impressed by the news as they hit out at the rumoured decision. One said: "This is so tone deaf! The pros are what the people love. People follow and support the pros as much, if not more, than the celebs. Wake up and axe a couple of the judges!" Another added: "NOOOOOO!!!!!!! Leave it alone! We love the favourite pros."

Someone else commented: "If they do this then I predict the show won’t last for much longer.. Dropping Gorka would be a huge mistake, he’s the reason many of us watch!" A fourth wrote: "Strictly is nothing without the pros. they have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft and have sacrificed everything to get to where they are. yet are the most under appreciated people there. they don’t even get their names in the credits."

Another declared: "It dosent need a new lease of life, people have their favourite pros. They actually need to go back to basics and stop with the themed weeks, over/ under marking and dreadful songs choices for the dances."

Over the past year, fan favourite sensationally quit after his celebrity dance partner Amanda Abbington made a string of allegations regarding his “abusive” behaviour, with the Italian dancer later cleared after a BBC investigation. Graziano Di Prima was then axed by show bosses after his celeb partner alleged he had been physically abusive towards her during their rehearsals, with the Italian dancer later admitting he had kicked her.

The BBC has declined comment when approached by the .

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