Strictly Come Dancing has been embroiled in controversy this year thanks to the ongoing investigation surrounding Giovanni Pernice and his subsequent exit from the show.
However, bosses are hoping the 20th-anniversary series later this year will be as successful as ever, with head judge Shirley Ballas recently teasing the line-up as the "most fantastic ever".
The BBC competition recently announced the return of former favourite Aljaz Skorjanec, which has sparked speculation about the BBC "deflecting" from the Pernice controversy.
Plenty of big names are being bandied around the rumour mill for the celebrity line-up - among them former EastEnders legend Shona McGarty.
The actress, 32, has recently left her role as Whitney Dean after 16 years on the BBC soap, so it's safe to assume she may have more time on her schedule to take part in the show.
According to Gambling.com, McGarty is the 4/6 favourite to swap the Queen Vic for the ballroom.
EastEnders star Sona McGarty is rumoured to be taking part in the competition
Getty
"EastEnders legend Shona McGarty is the 4/6 favourite on Strictly Come Dancing betting sites to sign up for this year's series," a spokesperson said.
"The Albert Square star is best known for her role as Whitney Dean in the BBC One soap, but she could soon be swapping Walford for the Waltz if recent reports are anything to go by."
A source recently told The Mirror: "Shona would be a great fit for the show. She’s a real favourite with soap fans, as well as being incredibly bubbly and good fun."
McGarty is said to have been approached to take part in the show in 2021, but the timing is now said to be "better for her".
Shona McGarty starred in EastEnders for 16 years before leaving the soap earlier this year
BBC
Last month, it was revealed when the professional line-up was confirmed that Pernice, 33, would not be returning to the BBC series.
Pernice is currently under investigation after his 2023 celebrity partner Amanda Abbington reported his "militant" training techniques and claimed she had suffered PTSD from their time together.
Pernice has strongly denied the accusations, with several people from the show expressing how much they will miss him.
Head judge Ballas has reportedly come under fire for defending Pernice, with a source alleging she has been warned to "rein in" her backing by BBC bosses.
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The BBC confirmed Aljaz Skorjanec will be back on Strictly Come Dancing this year
BBC
According to a source, the Mirror reports that bosses weren't happy with Ballas speaking openly about her fondness for Pernice.
The source reportedly said: "Shirley has been told she needs to rein it in and not talk about Giovanni in the context of the case.
"It’s such a complex thing that we can’t have people associated with the show speaking out about it."
Ballas was quoted as previously saying at a book launch that Pernice was a "hard worker" and will be "missed", according to the same publication.
