Strictly scandal – live: Will Bayley makes ‘horrific’ injury claim as BBC makes statement on show’s future
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 Davieapologised 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.
Dame Esther Rantzen shares view on Strictly scandal
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
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.”
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