Following complaints by several celebrities about abusive behaviour on the set of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC’s director general, Tim Davie, has issued an apology. Davie confirmed that the professionals on the show should not cross the line between being competitive and exhibiting unacceptable behaviour, but did say that the show would continue. The director general said that the BBC would not tolerate any kind of unacceptable behaviour, but he confirmed that the show will return as planned later this year, despite its problems.
Two of its professionals, Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice, have had to leave the show after allegations about their behaviour in training. Pernice has denied any accusations of abusive or threatening behaviour. Di Prima’s spokesman has confirmed reports that the dancer kicked partner Zara McDermott in rehearsal last year. In a statement following his departure from the programme, Di Prima expressed his regrets for the events that led to him leaving the show stating that his “intense passion and determination to win may have affected my training regime”.
The BBC’s new measures include putting a member of Strictly production staff in all rehearsals to observe behaviour. The network will also provide enhanced training and two new dedicated welfare producers, one for celebrities and the other for professional dancers. Davie launched the BBC’s annual report last week, describing Strictly as a “wonderful show”, adding that anyone who has an issue about the programme should feel free to contact the BBC.
Paralympian Will Bayley is among those who have previously spoken out about their experiences on the show, praising his dance partner for being “incredibly supportive” and “ultra professional”. He said the serious injury that forced him out could have been avoided, and the BBC made him feel like he was “making a mountain out of a molehill” when he later complained. Bayley, who was born with the joint condition arthrogryposis and has severe arthritis, tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee while jumping off a table during rehearsals.
In response to Bayley’s comments, Davie said that the door is always open for individuals to come and discuss improvements with the BBC, but overall, he said he believes that the necessary systems and processes are in place and are being updated where required
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