After recent complaints about two dancers, former Strictly Come Dancing professional Kristina Rihanoff has welcomed the decision to provide chaperones for stars during rehearsals. She told BBC News that she thought the new measures would make celebrities “feel a little bit more comfortable” signing up to the show. Rihanoff admitted that rehearsals for the show could be “frustrating” and “pressurised” and explained that the new rules would help the performers feel “at ease that there will be somebody watching and observing the situations”.
The show has faced a series of troubling claims regarding former dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima. Pernice rejected accusations of “abusive or threatening behaviour”, while Di Prima’s spokesperson admitted that problems had arisen during his partnership with celebrity Zara McDermott, including one incident where he kicked her. In response, the BBC will now take multiple steps, placing a member of the Strictly production staff in all future rehearsals, introducing two new welfare producers to the show, and treating any such incidents seriously.
Rihanoff appeared on the show from 2008-15, partnering with various celebrities including boxer Joe Calzaghe and rugby player Ben Cohen. Rihanoff described the experience as “wonderful”, although stressful at times. She said that it can prove exhausting for both partners to learn multiple dances and prepare for the finals. However, Rihanoff was also clear that there could be no excuse for aggressive or violent behaviour towards partners.
The situation has generated significant controversy, with broadcaster Rev Richard Coles stating to BBC Breakfast that the “intense”, intimate and physical relationships between dancers and celebrities were largely unobserved and could prove problematic. However, talent agency Sue Ayton, who represents former celebrity contestant Angela Rippon, said that the BBC’s duty of care measures had been “exemplary”
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