Past Strictly Come Dancing controversies are being resurfaced as the BBC series finds itself embroiled in a scandal – its biggest controversy in 20 years.
Earlier this month, Graziano Di Prima was dropped from the series for mistreating Zara McDermott in the rehearsal room, while 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 the dancer felt pressure from the show’s producers.
On Tuesday afternoon (23 July), BBC director general Tim Davie apologised over the alleged mistreatment of contestants on the show, as the corporation announced its annual report.
Responding to criticism of the show in recent days, the BBC director general 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.”
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 of the furore as it 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
Dame Esther Rantzen shares view on Strictly scandal
12:30
Jacob Stolworthy
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.”
BBC director general Tim Davie apologises for alleged mistreatment of contestants
12:25
Ellie Muir
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:
Janette Manrara addresses Will Bayley claim
11:30
Jacob Stolworthy
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:
Talent agent whose clients have been on Strictly calls out ‘arrogant’ pros
10:30
Jacob Stolworthy
Melanie Blake, a talent agent whose clients have appeared on Strictly, has launched a scatching criticism against the show’s professionals.
While failing to name anyone specifically, Blake said that certain pros over the years have, among other things, expressed distate at having to dance with someone over the age of 40 - and have even tried to intentionally jeopardise their time on the show so they can be eliminated earlier.
Vlake aclso accused an “incredibly high-profile pro” of “being so rough with our client that she was injured before they even began and thus couldn’t enjoy or do her best”.
Awkward Graziano Di Prima and Zara McDermott interview resurfaces
09:30
Jacob Stolworthy
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.
James Jordan responds after Ola Jordan ‘bullying’ claims resurface
08:30
Jacob Stolworthy
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.
Please help me!!! https://t.co/xJoR7MmYk9
— James Jordan (@The_JamesJordan) July 22, 2024
Strictly bosses ‘considering axing’ five dancers
07:30
Jacob Stolworthy
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:
Strictly scandal timeline
Tuesday 23 July 2024 00:00
Jacob Stolworthy
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.
Third Strictly professional highlighted as ‘person of interest’
Monday 22 July 2024 23:00
Jacob Stolworthy
A third Strictly Come Dancing star has allegedly been named as a “person of interest” amid an investigation into the BBC show’s off-screen rehearsals.
It’s been claimed that the unidentified professional has been highlighted in the days after Graziano Di Prima was dropped from the show for kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott on last year’s series.
Janette Manrara addresses Will Bayley claim
Monday 22 July 2024 22:00
Jacob Stolworthy
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:
Graziano ‘regrets’ kicking Zara McDermott
Monday 22 July 2024 21:00
Jacob Stolworthy
Italian dancer Graziano Di Prima has been dropped from Strictly over “events” he “deeply regrets”.
He appeared on the series with Zara McDermott in 2023 and, earlier this month, a video of a behind-the-scenes incident is believed to have been brought to the attention of the BBC.
The footage has not been made public, and the circumstances surrounding it are unknown, but it’s alleged that it shows Di Prima kicking the documentary presenter and former Love Island star.
His spokesman said: “There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that. He knows he’s made a mistake. He apologised at the time.”
Giovanni’s family defends former Strictly pro
Monday 22 July 2024 20:00
Jacob Stolworthy
Giovanni Pernice’s family have issued a fierce defence of the star as he faces allegations of “abusive and threatening behaviour”.
It comes after speculation the 33-year-old had quit Strictly Come Dancing with the BBC understood to be “scouring years of footage” to look into the complaints.
The 33-year-old has denied all allegations of “abusive and threatening behaviour” in his teaching style, saying he is only “passionate and competitive”.
BBC announces new welfare steps after Strictly abuse allegations
Monday 22 July 2024 19:00
Jacob Stolworthy
The BBC has announced new welfare precautions to help look after Strictly Come Dancing contestants, following allegations of abuse that have shaken the flagship show.
A statement shared last week said: “Going forward, we will: have a production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times; increase existing support with the addition of two new roles on the show dedicated to welfare support – a Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer; and deliver further training for the production team and crew.”
Read more here:
Ex-Strictly contestant ‘not surprised’ by scandal
Monday 22 July 2024 18:00
Jacob Stolworthy
Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Reverend Richard Coles has said he is “not entirely surprised” after allegations emerged about the treatment of contestants on the popular BBC show.
“Sometimes contestants coming onto the show are surprised and dismayed at how intense that relationship can get in rehearsal spaces,” Reverend Coles, who appeared on the show in 2017, told Good Morning Britain.
Strictly pro Nadiya Bychkova denies making complaint
Monday 22 July 2024 17:00
Jacob Stolworthy
Strictly professional Nadiya Bychkova has shut down speculation that she has made a complaint about the BBC show.
Last week, a MailOnline report claimed that Bychkova, 34, had contacted the BBC to discuss her concerns about the show.
However, the dancer, who joined Strictly in 2017 and has been paired with stars including news presenter Dan Walker, footballer David James and Blue singer Lee Ryan, denied the rumours in a social media post.
‘Strictly’s days of being the nicest show on TV are over'
Monday 22 July 2024 16:00
The forthcoming series of Strictly had all the makings of a victory lap: a celebration of the show’s two decades at the very top of the entertainment game.
But instead, its sparkle has been tarnished by alarming accusations concerning at least two of its most popular professional dancers, a double whammy of scandal that has put its status as one of the nation’s best-loved comfort watches in jeopardy.
The drama has prompted serious questions about what has been happening behind the scenes on the BBC’s beloved show. Can bosses restore its dazzling reputation in time for the big anniversary in September – and more importantly, will the viewers buy it?
Kate Rosseinsky investigates:
Janette Manrara addresses Will Bayley claim
Monday 22 July 2024 15:15
Jacob Stolworthy
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.
While he said he “didn’t have an issue” with Manrara, the sportsman attributed the blame to the pressure the show’s producers put on the professionals.
More here:
Craig Revel Horwood weighs in on ‘shock’ Strictly scandal
Monday 22 July 2024 15:00
Jacob Stolworthy
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has shared his view in on the scandal currently engulfing the popular BBC reality series.
Horwood, who serves as a judge on Strictly alongside Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton du Beke, addressed the scandal during an appearance on BBC Radio Wales.
“It’s a shock and news to me,” he said, claiming that he had heard about the allegations “through the press”.
More here:
Former Strictly pro denounces resurfacing of ‘edited’ rehearsal clip
Monday 22 July 2024 14:00
Jacob Stolworthy
Former Strictly professional James Jordan has hit out at resurfaced rehearsal footage that shows him “mistreating” his celebrity partner amid the show’s ongoing scandal.
In the clip that’s being shared online, Jordan, who appeared on the BBC dancing competition from 2006 to 2013, is heard fat-shaming his celebrity partner, former Casualty star Georgina Bouzová, and telling her he would “drag her across the floor and scream at her”.
At another stage, Jordan throws a chair and says he “doesn’t care” if she’s “physically broken”. According to Jordan, “the footage was shot and edited together by the BBC team for transmission on [companion show] It Takes Two 18 years ago in specific ways for the purposes of ENTERTAINMENT”.
More here:
Paralympian Will Bayley says series left him with ‘horrific’ injury he’ll ‘never get over’
Monday 22 July 2024 13:00
Jacob Stolworthy
Another Strictly Come Dancing contestant has spoken out against their time on the show.
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 shedding light on his behind-the scenes experience amid a scandal that has shone a spotlight on the show’s duty of care protocols.
Bayley said the injury, which was caused after his professional partner Janette Manrara made him redo a jump after a “rubbish” attempt, has resulted in an excruciating pain he will live with “forever”
More here:
Third Strictly professional highlighted as ‘person of interest'
Monday 22 July 2024 12:30
Jacob Stolworthy
A third Strictly Come Dancing star has allegedly been named as a “person of interest” amid an investigation into the BBC show’s off-screen rehearsals.
It’s been claimed that the unidentified professional has been highlighted in the days after Graziano Di Prima was dropped from the show for kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott on last year’s series.
Alleged Steve Backshall complaint resurfaces in wake of scandal
Monday 22 July 2024 12:00
Jacob Stolworthy
A Strictly complaint allegedly made by TV presenter Steve Backshall about his professional partner in 2014 has resurfaced in the wake of the scandal.
Backshall is said to have complained that Ola Jordan “bullied” him during his time on the BBC series, following which the pair were granted a chaperone to oversee their rehearsals.
A source told MailOnline: “Steve is a very bouncy personality, up for any challenge, but Ola’s harsh treatment has flattened him and made him lose confidence.”
Graziano admits to kicking Zara McDermott
Monday 22 July 2024 11:30
Jacob Stolworthy
Italian dancer Graziano Di Prima has been dropped from Strictly over “events” he “deeply regrets”.
He appeared on the series with Zara McDermott in 2023 and, earlier this month, a video of a behind-the-scenes incident is believed to have been brought to the attention of the BBC.
The footage has not been made public, and the circumstances surrounding it are unknown, but it’s alleged that it shows Di Prima kicking the documentary presenter and former Love Island star.
His spokesman said: “There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that. He knows he’s made a mistake. He apologised at the time.”
Amanda Abbington isn’t holding back
Monday 22 July 2024 11:02
Jacob Stolworthy
Amanda Abbington, the first celebrity to draw attention to alleged mistreatment in the rehearsal room, is now considered the Strictly whistleblower
Over the weekend, Abbington described Giovanni Pernice as “cruel” and “abusive”.
Pernice has denied all allegations that have been thrown his way.
Strictly Come Dancing scandal
Monday 22 July 2024 10:36
Jacob Stolworthy
Since January, Strictly Come Dancing has found itself at the centre of controversy – and things only seem to be getting worse.
We’ll be running through all the updates to keep you briefed on what exactly the scandal is about and will be reporting any developments as they occur.
For starters, here is a timeline detailing everything you need to know.
