Strictly Come Dancing has been rocked by a scandal, after it was revealed that Emma Weymouth’s boss has offered staff to pay for their votes.
The Viscountess – who is partnered with Aljaz Skorjanec – found herself in the bottom two earlier this month, and her colleagues have taken added measures to make sure she goes through safely tonight.
A screenshot of a Facebook post has emerged of Darren Beasley, head of animal operations at Longleat, telling staff their phone calls would be reimbursed if they voted for the 33-year-old.
The post – sent to 109 people – read: ‘So news just in… If anyone wants to help keep Lady Emma in Strictly then I’m authorised to get [marketing director] James Bailey to pay for your call.
‘So keep your phone bills as proof, tell your partners, mums, dads, cousins, granny and the dog if he can dial that number for Lady Emma & Aliaz, phoning this week will be free because Longleat will pay (sic).
‘Let’s keep them in for another week x. Happy voting.’
However, a Longleat spokesperson claimed no one ‘acted on the message’ and it had ‘no effect’ on the votes.
‘It was not our policy or practice to reimburse people for votes,’ they told The Sun.
‘No one sought payment from Longleat or any team member, so no one acted on the message and it had no effect on the actual votes.’
And a Strictly spokesman added to the publication: ‘The BBC takes fairness in Strictly Come Dancing extremely seriously.
‘Action was taken as soon as this issue was brought to BBC Studios’ attention.
‘This has had no impact on the public vote.’
Emma and Aljaz will be taking to the dance floor tonight in a spooky, Halloween themed evening.
And they are dancing the Charleston to A Little Party Never Killed Nobody by Fergie feat. Q-Tip and GoonRock.
Metro.co.uk has contacted BBC for a comment.
Strictly Come Dancing airs tonight at 6.35pm, on BBC One.
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