STRICTLY Come Dancing bosses have ramped up security after pro star Dianne Buswell was sent death threats.
The Aussie redhead, 31, was targeted by crazed trolls who accused her of cheating on boyfriend Joe Sugg with her dance partner Max George.
They sent messages with unfounded claims that Dianne had got intimate with The Wanted singer Max, 32.
Bosses have monitored the tweets which came from a number of accounts, and alerted the show’s security staff.
In one sinister message, a “fan” of YouTuber Joe claimed to be at the apartment block where Dianne and Max are staying during the Covid-secure series.
The message — which had been taken down last night — ended with the words: “This will be the end for Dianne.”
Worried BBC producers have now tightened security around popular pro Dianne and reviewed all protective measures.
She was last night fully focused on her first live dance with Max.
A show source said: “This was truly chilling — because someone claimed to be waiting for Dianne at a certain address. That triggered a security alert and obviously had to be taken seriously.
“Producers have taken action, along with security teams, and reassured the cast that their safety is paramount.
“Strictly rightly take the safety of their stars very seriously, and felt the move was warranted. They would rather be over-cautious than not react to things. Fortunately, Dianne is a really positive person and has a tough skin so focused her efforts on her first live dance with Max.
“She wants to enjoy the show and ignore any negativity.
“Sadly, death threats to cast members are something producers have to deal with as the profile of their talent is sky-high.
“There is a strong security presence at the studios in Elstree, even with less people coming and going due to the Covid restrictions. They might now set up patrols near their accommodation too.”
Dianne started dating Joe, 29, two years ago after they were partnered together on the 2018 series. It is the latest security scare to hit Strictly, amid fears that this year could be even worse due to the Covid lockdown.
Judge Motsi Mabuse, 39, was targeted by racists last year, with ex-military personnel brought in to guard the studio.
Head judge Shirley Ballas, 60, has also opened up about receiving death threats when she joined the show in 2017.
She also feared that she would receive even more abuse this year as people are locked down at home.
Shirley said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if the trolling is ten times worse because people are in lockdown, because we may go into a second lockdown and heaven help us if we do and people are sat at home with nothing more to do.”
A BBC spokesman said yesterday: “We take security and the safety of our cast and crew very seriously.
“All our security arrangements are reviewed and adjusted accordingly for every live show.”
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