NEW Strictly pro Julian Caillon has already become embroiled in a fakery row before he even appears on this year's new series.
The Australian hunk was one of two dancers named by the BBC One dance show as joining their line-up of pros for 2025.
But Julian, who's signed up alongside American Alexis Warr, has revealed he's already been asked to have a phoney bust up with a fellow competitor admitting: "I'll just say and do whatever needs to be done’.”
It was during in his former job on Dancing with the Stars, which is the Oz version of Strictly, and dints the idea that he is as "squeaky clean" as British show bosses hoped.
The ballroom and Latin American expert said: “Reality TV is not necessarily what you think. A massive aspect of reality TV is not really real.
"I remember in one episode of Dancing With The Stars, one of my celebrities was late to rehearsals and the producers were asking me to go around and pretend that I was frustrated.
“But she had something pop up and stuff happens sometimes and life gets in the way and we get a little bit late. It's not the biggest deal in the world. We just stay back a bit later.
"But they made this whole kind of thing out of it.
“I think during my earlier experiences, whatever I was asked to say or do, I just thought ‘It’s a privilege for me to be here. I need them to like me.
"So I'll just say and do whatever needs to be done’.”
But Caillon claims he has more confidence to stand up for himself and insist he would no longer fake anything for the cameras.
He told the Try With Alex podcast: “In a way, it teaches you to know what your values are and what you're willing to do and not to do.
“As I got more confident, it made me be confident in my own choices. Now I know I have clear boundaries and lines where I know ‘This is what I'm willing to do. If they ask me to say this, I'm just gonna say No’."
Julian, who grew up in Australia, began dancing at the age of 10 and has represented his country at international level in both ballroom and Latin styles.
He’s appeared as a professional on three seasons of Dancing With The Stars Australia and has toured worldwide with Burn The Floor.
He also competed on the Australian edition of So You Think You Can Dance.
Alongside his dance career, Julian holds a degree in Exercise Physiology from UNSW Sydney and has worked as a personal trainer.
In December, he got engaged to his girlfriend Sofia and shared a video of his beachside proposal with followers on Instagram.
He said: “Joining the cast of Strictly really is a dream come true.
"I’ve watched it for years, especially cheering on all the amazing dancers I know and work with who’ve been part of it.
"I can’t wait to get stuck in, have some fun, and be part of something special!”
The duo join a returning cast of professionals that includes Dianne Buswell, Gorka Marquez, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, Amy Dowden, Nancy Xu, Karen Hauer, Jowita Przystal, Luba Mushtuk, Carlos Gu, Johannes Radebe, Lauren Oakley, Aljaž Škorjanec and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Strictly 2025 rumoured line-up
Angellica Bell: A familiar face on British television, Angellica is a seasoned TV presenter known for her work on shows like CBBC and The One Show. She's no stranger to reality TV, having recently appeared on Celebrity Big Brother.
Paul C. Brunson: The charismatic relationship expert and matchmaker from Married At First Sight UK, Paul is known for his insightful advice and warm personality. Swapping the sofa for the samba, he's tipped to bring a touch of class and intelligence to the competition.
Dani Dyer: Rising to fame as the winner of Love Island in 2018, Dani has remained in the public eye with various TV appearances. The daughter of actor Danny Dyer, she's reportedly agreed to take part.
Vicky Pattison: A reality TV stalwart who first found fame on Geordie Shore, Vicky has successfully transitioned into a presenter and author. Having supported her friend Pete Wicks on the show last year, it seems she's ready to put on her own dancing shoes.
Ashley Cain: Former footballer and reality TV star from Ex on the Beach, Ashley has more recently become known for his incredible charity work and campaigning.
Stacey Solomon: Known for her down-to-earth charm and successful BBC shows like Sort Your Life Out, fans are eager to see if she can translate her infectious energy to the ballroom.
Georgia Toffolo: Best known as "Toff" from Made in Chelsea and for winning I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2017, Georgia is a seasoned reality TV star.
Thomas Skinner: The lively entrepreneur who became a fan favourite on The Apprentice in 2019, Thomas is known for his larger-than-life personality and catchphrase "Bosh!". Despite admitting to no dancing experience, he's reportedly "up for giving it his best shot."
Tom Parker Bowles: The renowned food writer and critic, and son of Queen Camilla, is a surprising but intriguing name on the rumour list. A regular on MasterChef, it remains to be seen if his culinary precision translates to ballroom finesse.
Sir Mo Farah: The legendary Olympic long-distance runner is considered a national treasure.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink: The former Premier League football striker, famous for his time at Leeds and Chelsea, is another sporting name being linked.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey: Known as "Nitro" from the BBC's Gladiators reboot and a former Team GB sprinter, Harry has already shown off some moves on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
Balvinder Sopal: The talented actress known for her role as Suki Panesar in EastEnders, Balvinder would follow a long line of successful soap stars on Strictly.
Jake Brown: The winner of The Traitors series three, Jake's name has emerged as a potential contestant.
Stefan Dennis: The actor, 66, has played six-times married Ramsay Street lothario Paul Robinson since the first episode in 1985 and now the soap is coming to an end, his schedule is clear.
