Past Definitely Come Dance The controversy is reignited after the BBC series became embroiled in a scandal that has become the biggest controversy in 20 years.
The BBC dance competition has become one of the UK’s most-watched and enduring successes, outperforming its ratings rivals despite being challenged by critics since it began airing in 2000.
Following the behind-the-scenes revelations, a “complaint” from 2014 contestant Steve Backshall was shared on social media in which he claimed he was “bullied” by former pro OlaJordan. Independent Jordan has been contacted for comment.
The tide has changed Definitely WhenSherlock Series star Amanda Abbington has publicly questioned the treatment she received on the show under the guidance of her professional partner Giovanni Pernice, leading to an investigation into the show’s duty of care protocols.
Earlier this month, Graziano Di Prima was axed from the show for abusing Zara McDermott in the rehearsal room, while other former contestants including Paralympian Will Bayley have spoken out about their negative experiences.
The second one dragged Two Persons Required brought presenter Janette Manrara into the fray. In a new interview, Bayley claimed that an instruction that led to Manrara’s life-changing injury was caused by the dancer feeling pressure from the show’s producers.
A BBC spokesman said: Independent“We have long-standing protocols in place for dealing with injuries when they occur, and that includes ensuring competitors receive all the treatment and support they need.”
Below is a live update of the chaos
Key points
Paralympian Will Bayley says streak left him with ‘horrific’ injury from which he ‘will never recover’
13:00 , Jacob Stolworthy
Another Definitely Come Dance The contestant spoke out against her time on the program.
Paralympian Will Bayley took part in the BBC dance series in 2019 but was forced to withdraw after six weeks after tearing knee ligaments during rehearsals.
Now, she’s revealing her behind-the-scenes experience amid a scandal that’s exposed the show’s dutiful protocols.
Bayley says the injury, which was caused when her professional partner Janette Manrara made her do a re-dive after a “rubbish” attempt, has left her in excruciating pain that she will live with “forever”.
More here:
Strictly star says knee left him with ‘horrific’ injury from which he ‘will never recover’
Third Strictly professional highlighted as ‘person of interest’
12:30 , Jacob Stolworthy
A third Definitely Come Dance The star was allegedly named as a “person in the limelight” as part of an investigation into off-screen rehearsals for the BBC show.
The unidentified professional allegedly came to the fore after Graziano Di Prima was axed from the series last year for kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott.
Third Strictly Come Dancing star named ‘in the limelight’ amid scandal
Alleged Steve Backshall complaint resurfaces after scandal
12:00 , Jacob Stolworthy
A Definitely TV presenter Steve Backshall’s alleged complaint against his professional partner in 2014 has been revived following the scandal.
Backshall is said to have complained that Ola Jordan was “bullying” her during her time on the BBC series, prompting the pair to be given a chaperone to supervise their rehearsals.
A source said: PostaOnline“Steve is a very energetic person who can handle any challenge, but Ola’s harsh behavior flattened him and caused him to lose his self-confidence.”
Graziano admits kicking Zara McDermott
11:30 , Jacob Stolworthy
Italian dancer Graziano Di Prima removed from cast Definitely He said he “deeply regretted” the “incidents”.
He stars in the series alongside Zara McDermott in 2023 and earlier this month, it is thought that video of a behind-the-scenes incident was brought to the BBC’s attention.
The footage has not been made public and the circumstances surrounding it are unknown, but it allegedly shows Di Prima kicking the documentary presenter and a former police officer. Love Island star.
His spokesman said: “There’s never a time when kicking or any emotion is right. And he knows that. He knows he made a mistake. He apologised at the time.”
Strictly Come Dancing’s Graziano Di Prima admits kicking Zara McDermott
Amanda Abbington doesn’t hold back
11:02 , Jacob Stolworthy
Amanda Abbington, the first celebrity to draw attention to alleged mistreatment in the rehearsal room, is now Definitely informant
Abbington described Giovanni Pernice as “ruthless” and “abusive” over the weekend.
Pernice denied all allegations against him.
Amanda Abbington speaks about ‘brutal’ and ‘abusive’ Strictly experience
Strictly Come Dancing scandal
10:36 , Jacob Stolworthy
Since January, Definitely Come Dance has found itself at the center of controversy, and things appear to be getting worse.
We will be keeping you updated on exactly what the scandal is all about and will keep you updated as developments occur.
Below is a timeline detailing everything you need to know to get started.
Strictly scandal timeline: Two dancers axed from show