Past Strictly Come Dancing Controversies are resurfacing as the BBC series finds itself embroiled in scandal – the biggest controversy in 20 years.
Since its launch in 2000, the BBC dance competition has defied critics and rival ratings contenders to become one of Britain’s most watched and enduring successes.
Following behind-the-scenes revelations, a “complaint” from 2014 contestant Steve Backshall has been shared on social media, in which he claims he was “bullied” by former professional OlaJordan. The independent has contacted Jordan for comment.
The tide turned with Strict whenSherlock star Amanda Abbington publicly questioned her treatment on the series while under the care of her professional partner Giovanni Pernice – prompting an investigation into the series’ duty of care protocols.
Earlier this month, Graziano Di Prima was ousted from the series after he assaulted Zara McDermott in the rehearsal room. Other former contestants, including Paralympic athlete Will Bayley, have also spoken out about their negative experiences.
The last one has It takes two host Janette Manrara in the controversy. In a new interview, Bayley claimed that an instruction from Manrara that led to a life-changing injury occurred when the dancer felt pressure from the show’s producers.
A BBC spokesperson said The independent: “We have long-standing protocols for dealing with injuries when they occur and that includes ensuring participants receive all necessary treatment and support as required.”
Below is a live update of the outcry as it unfolds
Most important points
Former Strictly pro slams resurfacing of ‘edited’ rehearsal clip
14:00 , Jacob Stolwaardig
Former Strict Professional actor James Jordan has hit out at rehearsal footage that appears to show him “abusing” his famous partner amid the show’s ongoing scandal.
In the clip shared online, Jordan, who competed on the BBC dance competition from 2006 to 2013, can be heard asking his famous partner, former Victim star Georgina Bouzová, telling her he would “drag her across the floor and yell at her.”
At another point, Jordan throws a chair and says he “doesn’t care” if she’s “physically broken.” According to Jordan, “the recording was shot and edited by the BBC team for broadcast on [companion show] It takes two 18 years ago in specific ways for ENTERTAINMENT purposes”.
More here:
Former Strictly pro slams resurfacing of ‘edited’ rehearsal clip
Paralympic athlete Will Bayley says the series left him with a ‘horrible’ injury that he will ‘never get over’
1:00 pm , Jacob Stolwaardig
Another Strictly Come Dancing contestant has spoken out against his/her time on the show.
Paralympic athlete Will Bayley competed in the BBC dance show in 2019, but was forced to withdraw after six weeks after torn his knee ligaments during rehearsals.
Now he’s sharing his behind-the-scenes experiences amid a scandal that’s drawing attention to the show’s duty of care protocols.
Bayley said the injury, which was caused after his professional partner Janette Manrara made him re-do a jump after a “bad” attempt, has resulted in excruciating pain that he will have to live with “forever”.
More here:
Strictly star says series left him with ‘horrible’ injury he will ‘never get over’
Third strictly professionally marked as ‘person of interest’
12:30 , Jacob Stolwaardig
A third Strictly Come Dancing star has reportedly been named as a “person of interest” amid an investigation into the BBC show’s off-screen rehearsals.
It is claimed the unknown professional has been thrust into the spotlight after Graziano Di Prima was axed from the series for kicking out his celebrity partner Zara McDermott in last year’s series.
Third Strictly Come Dancing star named as ‘person of interest’ amid scandal
Steve Backshall’s alleged complaint resurfaces after scandal
12:00 , Jacob Stolwaardig
a Strict The complaint that TV presenter Steve Backshall allegedly made about his business partner in 2014 has resurfaced after the scandal.
Backshall is said to have complained that Ola Jordan was “bullying” him during his time on the BBC series, following which the pair were assigned an accompanist to oversee their rehearsals.
A source said E-mailOnline: “Steve is a very lively person, who is up for any challenge, but Ola’s harsh treatment has crushed him and made him lose his self-confidence.”
Graziano admits to kicking Zara McDermott
11:30 , Jacob Stolwaardig
Italian dancer Graziano Di Prima has been removed from the selection Strict about “events” that he “deeply regrets”.
In 2023, he appeared in the series with Zara McDermott and earlier this month, a video of a behind-the-scenes incident was reportedly brought to the BBC’s attention.
The footage has not been made public and the circumstances surrounding it are unknown, but it is claimed to show Di Prima assaulting the documentary presenter and former Love Island star.
His spokesman said: “There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of it, 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 Stolwaardig
Amanda Abbington, the first celebrity to call attention to alleged rehearsal room abuse, is now considered the Strict whistleblower
Last weekend, Abbington described Giovanni Pernice as “cruel” and “insulting”.
Pernice denies all accusations leveled against him.
Amanda Abbington speaks out about ‘cruel’ and ‘abusive’ Strictly experience
Strictly Come Dancing scandal
10:36 , Jacob Stolwaardig
Since January, Strictly Come Dancing has become the center of controversy – and the situation only appears to be getting worse.
We will review all updates to keep you informed of the exact contents of the scandal and report on any developments as they occur.
To get started, here’s a timeline of everything you need to know.
Timeline of the Strictly scandal when two dancers were axed from the show