There was also controversy when dancer Katya Jones appeared to move her partner Wynne Evans’s hand from her waist.

She later said it was “nonsense” that the moment made her feel uncomfortable in any way.

It came after a difficult summer for the show, with a number of former celebrity contestants speaking up about their negative experiences on Strictly.

The BBC apologised to Amanda Abbington and upheld some of her complaints against her 2023 dance partner Giovanni Pernice, including those of verbal bullying and harassment, but cleared him of the most serious claims.

The corporation also introduced new duty of care measures, including putting chaperones in rehearsals.

This year’s series began in September with 15 celebrities in the running including DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles, Gladiator and Olympian Montell Douglas and three-time Olympic champion Tom Dean.

EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, Eighties popstar Toyah Willcox and singer Shayne Ward also appeared on the show.

The series was judged by Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.

The 2023 contest was won by Coppola and Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach.