Strictly pros undergo TikTok training as BBC ramps up social media drive ahead of new series

THE Strictly Come Dancing professionals have been given training in making TIKTOKS. It comes amid the BBC’s obsession with social media, with this year’s line-up boasting 47.2million followers between them. New Ukrainian dancer Aleksandra Isaeva told how Strictly pros underwent digital workshops Credit: Unknown YouTube star John Nellis has 19.7million following his football fan content Credit: BBC New Ukrainian dancer Aleksandra Isaeva has told how the whole troupe had undergone digital workshops. In a new vlog about pre-series training, she said: “Today was a speaking day. We did a TikTok session.” Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! She asked her fellow newbie, Italian Cristian Priori: “Are you good at TikTok?” He replied: “Doing better.” YouTube star John Nellis leads the digital big-hitters on this year’s cast, with 19.7million following his football fan content. There’s also celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton, with 7.4million and Dani Dyer, with 4.5million whilst star dancer Dianne Buswell has 2.9million. It comes after pro Alexis Warr ruffled feathers with fans after putting an OnlyFans-style paywall on her Instagram. The 26-year-old dance floor star, who reached the final last year with YouTuber George Clarke, charges £4.99 a month for “exclusive content” on social media. Most read in TV Her footage is in no way explicit, unlike a lot of OnlyFans content, but a button on her page invites fans to “Subscribe”. It does not make it clear if they will see Strictly content — which would break Beeb rules — or non-dance posts if they sign up. The dance show’s pros usually upload videos and photos of their training sessions and backstage prep for free. It is seen by bosses as key in engaging voters online. Fans have already moaned about Alexis’s business move. One wrote online: “I love looking through the pros stories on Instagram. I looked at Alexis and nothing there. “But there is a message. If I subscribe, give payment details, I can have exclusive stories. “I voted for Alexis and George and I think she was a lovely talented addition, but blowed if I am going to pay.” Comment now