Strictly Come Dancing fans were shocked after this year's line-up was revealed and Nadiya Bychkova was left without a partner.
The Sun claims the 34-year-old has been snubbed from the competition because she would be "too old" to dance with Bobby Brazier, 20.
Although the 6ft 2in EastEnders star is the only contestant who can match Nadiya's height, bosses believed viewers wouldn't be comfortable with the 14-year age gap between the pair.
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"At almost 6ft tall in heels, Nadiya is by far the tallest of all the pros," a source told the publication.
“That meant she would have towered over seven out of the eight male celebrities in the competition."
They added: “On the basis of height, it was expected that they would form a duo on this series.
“But bosses felt there was something odd about the fact that the particularly fresh-faced Bobby only turned 20 this summer, while Nadiya is a mature woman."
The TV insider went on to say that the age gap wasn't the only issue, adding it was also about appearances.
"So long as they both have the same boy or girl-next-door look, it works," the source explained.
“But if they contrast too much, it’s just not going to fly — particularly in dances where audiences have to believe in the chemistry between dance partners."
The insider continued: “Not putting Nadiya in a duo was a difficult decision to take.
“But the bosses always have Strictly’s best interests at heart and the golden rule is that nobody is ever bigger than the show."
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When it was announced that Nadiya, who has been a core part of the show for six years, was left without a partner, fans headed to social media to slam bosses for the decision.
Venting their frustrations on X, formerly known as Twitter, one person fumed: "@bbcstrictly Well you have lost me for this year..no Nadiya..absolute bonkers..who decided that!"
"@bbcstrictly Strictly have ditched my favourite dancer Nadiya for a pathetic ridiculous reason. I won't be watching," agreed a second.
While a third added: "So no celeb partner for Nadiya this series allegedly? Disappointing as I really hoped she’d have one."
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