Since it first hit our screens, Strictly has enthralled the BBC’s older, loyal viewers.Now, after 22 years, insiders say bosses are ‘hell-bent’ on a Gen Z makeover that risks driving them away. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that executives have lifted a ban on signing too many reality stars for the show, as they chase the elusive 18-to-24 age group ahead of its 24th series.Names that have enraged some quarters of the BBC who are desperate to keep their older audience include last year’s Love Island winner Cach Mercer and Chris Appleton, hairdresser to American reality star and influencer Kim Kardashian, who himself has a large following on social media.Will Best, the presenter of Big Brother, has also been announced as a competitor but is barely known to older viewers, while Dani Dyer, another Love Island winner, is also returning after being forced to pull out due to a fractured ankle last year.There is also some concern that the presenting line-up of Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe could be a turn-off for older viewers. However, the third host, Johannes Radebe, is very popular with older fans.’There is something of a civil war within the BBC over Strictly,’ says a source at the corporation. ‘There is a real push to get young influencer types on, those who the older generations would never have heard of in a month of Sundays. BBC bosses are ‘hell-bent’ on a Gen Z makeover that risks driving away older Strictly viewers. Pictured: Cach Mercer, who won Love Island with Toni Laites, will be taking part Chris Appleton, hairdresser to American reality star and influencer Kim Kardashian, has also been signed on to the show The popular BBC show will be back for its 24th season in September’Before, there would be one influencer, such as Joe Sugg, or last year’s George Clarke. This year, there are so many contestants which appeal to young people, not old.’The feel of the show is going to change dramatically with Emma and Josh hosting rather than Tess [Daly] and Claudia [Winkleman] but with so many young contestants there risks being a huge lean towards going after youngsters . . . Older people already feel like there is less and less for them on the BBC. ‘Meanwhile, the BBC are chasing a young audience who would rather watch YouTube.’For the new series, bosses have also secured EastEnders actress Lacey Turner and former Neighbours star turned singer Delta Goodrem. Former Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey has been signed up.’The last thing that the BBC needs to do is turn off its core audience,’ says the source. ‘It is those people who pay their TV licences. ‘Strictly brings them so much joy. For many, it’s all they watch on the Beeb.’The show will be back for its 24th season in September and will also feature five new, younger professional dancers after the axing of four older women.