BBC bosses have slashed Strictly Come Dancing's budget to cover new welfare checks after the show was rocked by scandal.
The casting budget has also been cut to free up cash in case former stars demand payouts.
Chaperones and welfare producers have been added to the show after allegations of abuse were made by contestants including Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott.
A source told MailOnline: "Money had to be found to pay for chaperones and welfare producers, and we still don’t know how much all these allegations are going to cost the show.
"It is not going to be cheap. A decision was made to make cuts to the cast."
The new lineup was revealed and some viewers claimed they didn't know who half of the 2024 contestants were.
Some struggled to recognise TV doctor Punam Krishnan and former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri.
Insiders told the publication that Nick Knowles and Paul Merson were the only celebrities on big money.
"The line-up is one of our cheapest ever. We know audiences are disappointed, especially given the quality of our celebrities in the last five years," added the source.
Giovanni Pernice was accused of bullying Amanda during rehearsals and the investigation is still ongoing.
The Sherlock star claims that she developed PTSD as a result, while Giovanni has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
The Mail on Sunday claimed Gio was to be exonerated after BBC insiders told the publication that there was no evidence that he bullied her.
Amanda is also said to have revealed a short video to bosses that he sent to her on WhatsApp, but sources say that whilst it is "sex-related", it was "very much banter".
The findings of the report are expected to be revealed next month.
Graziano Di Prima was sacked after a video of him “hitting and kicking” Zara was shown to bosses.
The claims against Graziano are the biggest scandal to rock Strictly in its 20-year history.
However, Graziano has now called in top lawyers to sue the BBC in an effort to clear his name.
Money had to be found to pay for chaperones and welfare producers, and we still don’t know how much all these allegations are going to cost the show.
TV sources
Barristers have already waded through thousands of text and WhatsApp messages and believe the Italian has a case for unfair dismissal.
A source told The Sun: “Graziano feels he wasn’t allowed a fair opportunity to give his side of the story so has been heartened to hear the legal team think he has a case for unfair dismissal.
“The top lawyers at Whitestone Chambers have scanned through thousands of messages between Graziano and Zara and the other Strictly dancers.
“They’ve also looked at his BBC contract and believe there are grounds to sue.
“He is weighing up his options but remains hopeful he can clear his name.”
Graziano is also said to have chased Zara into a bathroom, spat at her, and verbally abused her in rehearsals last year.
BBC documentary-maker Zara, who is in a relationship with I’m A Celeb winner Sam Thompson, said the scenes were “incredibly distressing”.
Married Graziano responded in a statement to his 251,000 followers on Instagram, saying he “deeply regrets the actions” that led to his departure.
But just weeks later, he denied kicking Zara.
He also told how he and his “good friend” Zara messaged about her pet cat four days before he was sacked.
He is now back in his native Sicily, working on a farm for £6 an hour.
Strictly is set to return next month but Graziano’s spot is yet to be filled.
Zara’s agents and the BBC were approached for comment.
