BBC bosses have reportedly banned "token oldie" contestants from competing in this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

Station executives are said to have told casting agents for the ballroom dance contest to only sign up celebrities with a "chance of winning" and, having seen the likes of Tony Jacklin, Paul Daniels, Johnny Ball and Edwina Currie fail to impress on the dancefloor, they have advised staying away from older stars.

Frankie Sandford will compete

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Bosses say signing so-called 'old duffers' is a waste of time because they never have a chance of winning. They are never very good.

"The critical detail now will be that each star on the dancefloor has a chance of actually winning the show."

Show bosses think a stronger line-up will make the show more competitive and attract higher viewing figures.

The source said: "It's not hard to see a pattern [with the older stars]. The thinking is that if there are no weak links in the line-up, it will make it more entertaining."

A BBC spokesman said: "We do not comment on speculation."

The Saturdays singer Frankie Sandford was announced yesterday (13.08.14) as the first celebrity taking part in this year's show.

Meanwhile, Artem Chingvintsev has announced he has landed a role as one of the 'Dancing with the Stars' professionals in the US after quitting 'Strictly' because of visa issues.

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