Think perhaps we're over thinking this?
A BBC boss said to a serious journalist that if she did Strictly it would raise her profile.
Well yes - am sure others would agree.
John Sargeant was Chief Political Editor and Correspondent for ITV and BBC News and Jeremy Vine takes a big part in the BBC's Election coverage. Did Strictly raise their profiles?
Natasha Kaplinsky did well out winning Strictly - she did Tess's job for Series 2. Susanna Reid was offered a better paid job at ITV after being runner up.
Was Emily forced to do Strictly - no, because she hasn't done Strictly.
Did Emily still get one of the top BBC serious journalist's jobs anyway - presenting Newsnight - yes.