London, England – The BBC’s director general has issued an apology to participants of the popular show Strictly Come Dancing following complaints of abusive behavior. Tim Davie expressed disappointment over celebrities’ allegations about mistreatment by their dance partners during rehearsals. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between competitiveness and acceptable behavior among the show’s professionals, reassuring viewers that the show would continue.
Davie acknowledged that while competitiveness is expected, there are boundaries that should not be crossed. He stated, “We never tolerate unacceptable behavior of any kind.” The departure of Strictly professionals Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice, amidst allegations of improper conduct in training, further fueled the controversy.
Di Prima’s spokesperson admitted to an incident where the dancer kicked his partner in rehearsal, leading to his regretful exit from the show. On the other hand, Pernice denied any accusations of abusive behavior, emphasizing that he was surprised by the claims against him. The revelations have sparked introspection within the BBC, prompting the implementation of new measures to ensure a safer environment for contestants and crew members.
The BBC announced the inclusion of production staff in all rehearsals to monitor behavior, along with the introduction of dedicated welfare producers for both celebrity contestants and professional dancers. Despite the challenges faced by the show, Davie reassured the audience that Strictly Come Dancing would return as scheduled later in the year.
Participants like Paralympian Will Bayley have come forward with their experiences, shedding light on the need for better support and understanding for disabled contestants. Bayley discussed a serious injury sustained during rehearsals that led to his withdrawal from the show in 2019, calling for more assistance for both disabled contestants and professional dancers in handling such situations.
In response to Bayley’s concerns, Davie emphasized the BBC’s commitment to improvement and change, welcoming feedback and suggestions to enhance their protocols and support systems. As the show prepares to announce this year’s celebrity participants in August, the focus remains on addressing past issues and creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all involved in Strictly Come Dancing.