Strictly scandal – latest: BBC boss says ‘line should never be crossed’ but insists show will continue

Strictly's Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington respond to being 'undermarked' by judges

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Past Strictly Come Dancing controversies are being resurfaced as the BBC series finds itself embroiled in its biggest scandal in its 20-year history.

On Tuesday afternoon (23 July), BBC director general Tim Davie made a statement apologising for the alleged mistreatment of contestants on the show, and said that the corporation “will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour”.

Davie addressed the allegations, saying: “I’m very sorry that anyone has had an experience on Strictly that hasn’t been wholly positive, I think that is something we do reflect on, and I’m sorry about that,” adding that the “line should never have been crossed”.

Earlier this month, Graziano Di Prima was dropped from the series for mistreating Zara McDermott in the rehearsal room. It came just weeks after professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, was also dropped from the series following allegations over his teaching style after his former partner Amanda Abbington pulled out of the 2023 series.

Meanwhile, other former contestants, including Paralympian Will Bayley, have spoken out about their respective negative experiences.

The latter’s claims dragged It Takes Two host Janette Manrara into the controversy – something the dancer has now responded to. In a new interview, Bayley claimed an instruction made by Manrara, which led to a life-changing injury, occurred as a result of the dancer feeling pressure from the show’s producers.

Another “complaint” made by 2014 contestant Steve Backshall has been shared on social media in the wake of the scandal. The explorer allegedly claimed he was “bullied” by former professional Ola Jordan, whom The Independent has contacted for comment.

Below are latest updates as the scandal unfolds...

Key Points

Strictly star says series left him with ‘horrific’ injury he’ll ‘never get over’
Graziano Di Prima admits he kicked Zara McDermott in rehearsal
Strictly Come Dancing scandal timeline
Third star named as ‘person of interest’ in BBC series scandal
Strictly Come Dancing’s days of being the nicest show on TV are over

What did Tim Davie say about the Strictly scandal?

Speaking at a press conference for the release of the BBC’s annual report, the corporation’s director general, Tim Davie, addressed the controversy surrounding the show.

He said that the organisation “will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour” and that “the line should never be crossed”.

In his opening statement, Davie described Strictly as “a wonderful show” and said “hundreds of people” involved in the series – including crew and dancers –have had “a brilliant experience”.

He told Sky News: “At the same time, if someone feels there was something wrong or they want to talk about their experience, then of course we want them to raise that with us. And be in no doubt, we will take it seriously, listen and deal with it as appropriate.”

“So I hope that anyone who does want to talk to us, feels they can,” he continued. “It is vital, of course, that we have the right protocols and structures in place for the show. We keep these under review and we confirmed changes to these last week. It is essential these are right for everyone.

“Of course, alongside the fun and entertainment there will be a degree of competitiveness, hard work and a will to do well. That’s part of what makes this show. But there are limits and the line should never be crossed. We will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind.”

Ellie Muir23 July 2024 15:01

Strictly star Will Bayley says show left him with ‘horrific’ injury he’ll ‘never get over’

Paralympian Will Bayley appeared on the BBC dancing series in 2019 and was forced to withdraw six weeks in after tearing his knee ligaments in rehearsals.

He is now opening up about his behind-the scenes experience amid a scandal that has shone a spotlight on the show’s duty of care protocols.

Strictly star says series left him with ‘horrific’ injury he’ll ‘never get over’

‘I was lying on the floor thinking my whole career was over,’ ex-contestant said

Ellie Muir23 July 2024 14:30

Strictly in crisis: Every claim facing the under-fire BBC show

Here’s every allegation related to the ongoing Strictly scandal...

Strictly in crisis: Every claim facing the under-fire BBC show

It’s been a tumultuous year for the beloved series

Ellie Muir23 July 2024 13:30

Dame Esther Rantzen shares view on Strictly scandal

Dame Esther Rantzen, the broadcaster who appeared on Strictly in 2004, has said the series has “become technically much more difficult” and “inflated beyond its worth”.

She told Times Radio: “I can understand why producers want the dance to be lovely, but actually, this is an entertainment show about amateurs.”

“The only worry I have is why it took so long for these complaints to surface,” Rantzen added.

“And if I were a producer, and I have been a producer in my time, that’s the question I would be asking myself with a bit of concern. I mean, I’m sure the steps they’ve taken will be effective, but they do need to ask themselves why nobody dares make a complaint when things go wrong.”

Jacob Stolworthy23 July 2024 12:30

BBC director general Tim Davie apologises for alleged mistreatment of contestants

In the corporation’s annual report, BBC director general Tim Davie said sorry for the complaints facing Strictly Come Dancing.

Davie said: “I’m very sorry that anyone has had an experience on Strictly that hasn’t been wholly positive, I think that is something we do reflect on, and I’m sorry about that.”

Read the full story below:

BBC annual report: Corporation boss says sorry over Strictly complaints

BBC director general said: ‘I’m very sorry that anyone has had a experience on Strictly that hasn’t been wholly positive’

Ellie Muir23 July 2024 12:25

Janette Manrara addresses Will Bayley claim

Former Strictly professional dancer Janette Manrara, who now presents the companion show It Takes Two, has addressed claims made by her former celebrity partner, Paralympian Will Bayley.

Bayley sustained a life-changing knee injury after Manrara made him redo a jump following what she described as a “rubbish” attempt – and, while he said he “didn’t have an issue” with Manrara, he attributed the blame to the pressure the show’s producers put on the professionals.

More here:

Strictly star says series left him with ‘horrific’ injury he’ll ‘never get over’

‘I was lying on the floor thinking my whole career was over,’ ex-contestant said

Jacob Stolworthy23 July 2024 11:30

Awkward Graziano Di Prima and Zara McDermott interview resurfaces

In the wake of Strictly pro Graziano Di Prima’s admission that he kicked celebrity partner Zara McDermott during rehearsals for last year’s series, old footage of the pair has been dredged up.

This includes an interview conducted by GraziaUK, who asked McDermott: “If you had to dance with another dancer for a week, who would you pick?”

The documentary presenter and formr Love Island star immediately replied: “I know who I’d pick.”

However, Di Prima initially refused to pick another contestant he would like to dance with and walked off in mock anger. But when he returned, he expressed surprise that McDermott came up with an answer so quickly, leaving her to defend herself.

@graziauk We’re shipping the bromance between #grazianodiprima and #laytonwilliams #strictlycomedancing #strictly #zaramcdermott ♬ original sound - GraziaUK

Mandip Ahdan23 July 2024 09:30

James Jordan responds after Ola Jordan ‘bullying’ claims resurface

Former Strictly pro James Jordan has appeared to mock the resurfacing of explorer Steve Backshall’s alleged complaints about his wife, Ola Jordan.

Backshall was partnered with Ola in 2014 and, at the time, it was reported he raised concerns about their rehearsals with production, leading to a chaperone being assigned to them.

Jacob Stolworthy23 July 2024 08:30

Strictly bosses ‘considering axing’ five dancers

It’s being reported that Strictly producers are considering dropping five of the show’s longest-standing dancers in the wake of the scandal that’s rocked the show in recent months.

The professional line-up was announced last month and the annoucement arrived without Giovanni Pernice, who was dropped after being embroiled in a behind-the-scenes controversy with Amanda Abbington.

Weeks later, Graziano Di Prima was dropped after admitting to kicking Zara McDermott in rehearsals during last year’s series.

MailOnline reports that bosses are considering bringing a roster of new talent for next year’s series as they allegedly feel some of the show’s longest-standing dancers feel “entitled and untouchable”.

Find out which dancers are returning for this years series here:

Giovanni Pernice axed from Strictly Come Dancing 2024 lineup

Dancer has faced flurry of allegations about his behaviour and teaching methods

Jacob Stolworthy23 July 2024 07:30

Strictly scandal timeline

Since January, Strictly Come Dancing has found itself at the centre of controversy – and things only seem to be getting worse.

Here is a timeline detailing everything you need to know.

Timeline of Strictly scandal as two dancers axed from show

It’s been a tumultuous year for the beloved series

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Former Strictly pro James Jordan has appeared to mock the resurfacing of explorer Steve Backshall’s alleged complaints about his wife, Ola Jordan.