Judge Rinder has become the latest celebrity to weigh in on the Strictly Come Dancing controversy, suggesting that winning has become “more important” to the show’s performers than the “journey”.
The 46-year-old lawyer and reality TV star said the competitive nature of ballroom dancers can “interfere” with the “emotional complexion of the space.”
And as a former contestant, he admitted he had a “totally different experience” to his female counterparts when he appeared on the show in 2016.
His comments came after professional Graziano Di Prima, 30, was axed from the show following allegations he allegedly punched and spat at his dance partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals.
Weeks before this, Giovanni Pernice, 33, was suspended pending a BBC investigation into allegations of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other celebrity exes.
Judge Rinder has become the latest celebrity to weigh in on the Strictly Come Dancing controversy, suggesting winning has become “more important” to the show’s performers.
As a former contestant, he admitted he had a “totally different experience” to his female counterparts when he appeared on the show in 2016.
Talking about the Podcast off the airRinder said that at the “beginning of the show” it was about “spirit and heart.”
He continued: ‘It was a journey, to get someone out of their amateur, somewhat useless status and see how they improved.
‘And you know, I wonder if as the spotlight has gotten brighter and especially with the presence and prevalence of social media, you know, the challenges and the stress of winning have become a little bit more important.’
Reflecting, she continued, “And who knows, you know, maybe there’s never an excuse, but maybe when you’re in a competitive environment where a lot of the ballroom teachers are competitive people, to what extent that interferes with the kind of emotional complexion of the space, who knows?”
The TV personality, whose real name is Robert Rinder, competed on the 14th series of the BBC show in 2016 and was paired with Oksana Platero, 38.
Speaking about the current drama, he said, “It certainly seems like it’s in the spotlight right now.”
“And, you know, I have to be very careful because it’s a subject of an ongoing investigation. And I’m always conscious of that.
‘We have to be very careful about jumping to conclusions based on public opinion when we know so little about the details.
The TV personality, whose real name is Robert Rinder, competed on the 14th series of the BBC show in 2016 and was paired with Oksana Platero, 38.
“And that’s especially important when it comes to people who are, you know, making courageous decisions, like coming forward and also applying my judgment to justice for those who have been accused.”
She stressed: “It’s very, very important that we think about the trials and the current, well, difficult conversation that’s taking place around Strictly.
“All I can speak from is my own experience, because that’s all I know. And in 2016, I had a blast.”
Robert, who was eliminated in week 11, said his castmates “really bonded” on the show, but admitted women have a different experience.
She said: ‘It was a moment of great epiphany, a silly thing, perhaps, to think about because it would be so obvious to my goddaughters and all the women in my family.
‘But it was one day when I was in a car with Laura Whitmore and we were going from the studio to It Takes Two and there I was, you know, wearing my pyjama bottoms to practise, you know, thinking ‘Oh, I’m so delighted, all my life, all I’ve ever wanted to do is get to Blackpool’.
She said she didn’t have social media at the time, adding: ‘No one commented on what I was wearing.
“No one speculated on whether or not I might be having an illicit relationship with Oksana.”
Graziano Di Prima, 30, has been eliminated from the upcoming series following reports he verbally and physically abused fellow celebrity contestant Zara McDermott, 27, during last year’s competition.
The scandal came shortly after Amanda Abbington alleged that Giovanni Pernice had bullied her during rehearsals. He vehemently denies the allegations.
‘I mean, the only person who would be excited about that would be my grandmother, but obviously for the public, it would be surprising to say the least.’
Robert added: ‘But I was in a car listening to Laura, and she was having a totally different experience, wasn’t she? Because everything she was wearing was being evaluated.
“The level of speculation that is generated if you are a woman and if you are perhaps having an affair with your partner, how women are depicted and sexualized in that context. And that is something that I had to understand.
‘There is no doubt that in that world men and women tend to have different schedules in the same program.’
Graziano’s shock exit from the show was confirmed when Strictly bosses announced he would not be taking part in the upcoming series following his altercation with fellow contestant Zara from the 2023 series.
He has been accused of ‘spitting and punching’ the former Love Island star during training sessions.
The investigation into his behaviour was sparked by Strictly’s attempt to clean up the show after fellow Strictly contestant Giovanni Pernice was accused of abusive behaviour by his 2023 dance partner Amanda Abbington, resulting in him quitting the show. Giovanni denies the allegations.
According to sources at the show, the images of Graziano mistreating Zara left bosses with no choice but to cancel her contract.
Graziano’s shock exit from the show was confirmed when Strictly bosses announced he would not be taking part in the upcoming series following his altercation with Zara.
After it was revealed that Graziano had been sacked by the BBC, he took to Instagram the same day to write: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.”
Zara broke its silence on Tuesday, admitting it was afraid to come forward and denounce Graziano out of fear for its “future.”
Commenting on his departure on Instagram, Graziano wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win may have affected my training regime.
“In accordance with the BBC’s HR process, I understand that it is in the best interests of the programme for me to step down.”
He continued: ‘While there are aspects of this story that involve outside influences that I cannot discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
‘I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success for the future.’
She concluded her message: “I would also like to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
Zara broke its silence on Tuesday, admitting it was afraid to come forward and denounce Graziano out of fear for its “future.”
She also wrote on Instagram: “I felt it was only right to post something about the recent media reports. Strictly is one of the most magical shows on television and one I have dreamed of being on since I was a little girl.
‘When I was asked to take part in the show, it was like a childhood dream had come true. I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly would entail and I threw myself into it. I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to give whatever it took.
“And so much of my experience on Strictly was everything I could have dreamed of. It was amazing working with the entire production team and everyone behind the scenes, as well as my fellow contestants.”
‘However, my experience inside the training room was very different. There have been reports published about the treatment I received on the show and there were witnesses to some of the incidents, as well as videos of specific incidents that are incredibly distressing to watch.’
Zara explained that she did not report the incidents at the time because she was “afraid” of suffering negative reactions.
Instead, it was junior production staff members who came forward to share what they had witnessed while conducting the investigation into professional dancer Giovanni Pernice.
Graziano, who was due to compete in his seventh series of Strictly before his dismissal, is taking legal action against the BBC, MailOnline revealed on Monday.
The BBC has vowed to hit back after it was revealed that Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima is taking legal action against the broadcaster.
The Sicilian dancer believes he should have been “supported and helped” with his behaviour after his bosses warned him about his treatment of former Love Island star Zara.
But a BBC source told the Mail the broadcaster would hit back, explaining: “Why would a workplace, particularly one paid for by the public, offer support to someone who acted in an undoubtedly abhorrent way?”