In the wake of a series of scandals that could lead to compensation payments for former stars, BBC bosses have drastically slashed Strictly’s budget for the upcoming 20th season.

The flagship show’s casting budget has been slashed in the wake of Strictly’s bullying scandal, according to company sources.

Instead, the funds were used to increase social measures at the dance show.

Officials fear further financial strain as former stars line up to file lawsuits alleging mistreatment during their time on the show.

In the wake of the current scandal, numerous allegations of misconduct have been made, forcing professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice to withdraw from their long-running Saturday night program.

BBC bosses have slashed Strictly’s budget for the upcoming 20th season amid a series of scandals that could lead to compensation payments for former stars

In the wake of the current scandal, numerous allegations of misconduct were made and professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice (pictured) had to leave the long-running show.

A source said: “Money had to be found to pay supervisors and social workers and we still don’t know how much all these allegations will cost the show. It won’t be cheap. The decision has been made to cut the cast.”

The reduced casting budget was noticeable: many Strictly fans were disappointed when the celebrity line-up for this year was revealed earlier this month.

The audience was baffled when they recognised little-known TV doctor Punam Krishnan and former Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri.

The source said the only big-money contestants in this year’s line-up were DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles and football pundit Paul Merson.

They added: “The programme is one of our cheapest ever. We know audiences are disappointed, especially given the quality of our celebrities over the last five years.”

This is another blow for Strictly bosses, who had high hopes for the 20th anniversary series, which starts on September 14.

The latest season will see a team of new production staff working to supervise the stars. They will be present at all times during practice in the rehearsal room to watch for signs of inappropriate behavior.

BBC bosses have been forced to take “decisive steps” to improve protection for celebrities on the show after allegations of abuse were made by participants including actress Amanda Abbington and former reality TV star Zara McDermott.

BBC bosses have been forced to take “decisive steps” to improve protection for celebrities on the show after allegations of abuse were made by participants including actress Amanda Abbington and former reality TV star Zara McDermott (pictured).

Pernice, Strictly’s longest-serving male professional, was accused of bullying in rehearsals by Abbington last year and a BBC investigation is ongoing. The 33-year-old Sicilian has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

The Mail on Sunday announced yesterday that Pernice would be exonerated following Abbington’s allegations. BBC insiders told the newspaper there was no evidence Pernice had bullied her.

But the actress is said to be so determined to win her case that she is, as friends of Pernice describe it, taking “one final roll of the dice” by telling the BBC about a short video clip he had sent her via WhatsApp.

Sources within the company say that although it was about “sex,” it was essentially “big banter.”

A source said: “This is literally the last thing Amanda has, so of course she hopes it stays that way. It’s the only thing you have against Giovanni in any way.”

The results of the report are not expected until next month.