Strictly Come Dancing has undergone some big changes behind the scenes (Picture: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing returns this weekend after months of controversy following a BBC investigation into the programme.
The Latin and ballroom competition has come under fire following a bullying scandal erupted, after Amanda Abbington, 50, claimed that her experience on the BBC series left her with PTSD after working with Giovanni Pernice.
Giovanni – who has left the show – denied allegations after she described his approach as ‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’, while Graziano Di Prima also left after allegations he kicked his celebrity partner Zara McDermott.
In response to the accusations, the BBC has introduced new measures for this year’s series.
The broadcaster also issued a wider warning across the board to its staff, which warned against the ‘abuse of power’ when using ‘celebrity status’.
Join Metro’s Strictly community on WhatsApp
Want to be the first to get all the latest news and rumours from the Strictly dancefloor?
Join our Strictly Come Dancing WhatsApp channel to keep up to date with all the behind-the-scenes gossip about your favourite pros, judges and celebrities.
Simply click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we’ve just dropped the latest spoilers. Keep dancing!
What are the BBC’s new measures for Strictly 2024?
For the new season of the dancing competition, there will bechaperones at each rehearsal at all times.
This year’s cast of celebrities are comfortable with the changes (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
The show has also appointed welfare producers for celebrities and professionals, in addition to a psychologist on hand.
The BBC’s director of unscripted Kate Phillips outlined the decision to introduce safeguarding measures including welfare support in rehearsals.
‘Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act,’ she said in a statement.
‘Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals.
‘The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production.’
Giovanni Pernice has denied the allegations against him (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Graziano Di Prima has also departed the show (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
The celebrities taking part in the new series have praised the ‘quite remarkable’ atmosphere producers have created for this year’s show.
‘I’m really, really sorry about what’s happened to certain people but I would say Strictly is getting it right,’ Toyah Willcox told the Mail.
‘The things they have put in place are breathtaking. I’ve never met a team like it. We have a psychologist with us. We have talent management with us. They listen with a quality I’ve not experienced in a long time. They respond. It’s been quite remarkable.’
Toyah Willcox has described the measures as ‘breathtaking’ (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Miranda star Sarah Hadland added that ‘it feels …read more
Source:: Metro
