Melanie Sykes launched a vile tirade against BBC bosses in a debate on Russell Quirk’s TalkTV show amid the Strictly Come Dancing misconduct investigation.
The 53-year-old TV presenter branded those in power “deluded” and claimed they have “no respect” as he discussed whether the BBC should be defunded.
Melanie accused show bosses of branding viewers as “big idiots” as she weighed in on the Strictly scandal in an explosive chat.
She said: ‘I’ve heard people in power at the BBC talk about the audience as the great mass of people. That shows the respect they have for you, which is zero.
‘If you think you’re making fantastic television, you’re deluded.
Melanie Sykes, 53, launched a vile tirade against BBC bosses in a debate on Russell Quirk’s TalkTV show amid the Strictly Come Dancing misconduct investigation.
A Strictly dancer could be next to face abuse allegations, following last week’s revelation that Graziano Di Prima kicked his partner Zara McDermott.
‘And remember that they make their own programs to aggrandize themselves and give themselves awards for what they do too.
“So they pat themselves on the back and make money. They’re happy, but you’re left feeling like you’ve been entertained. Are you kidding me?”
MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.
A Strictly dancer could be next to face abuse allegations, following last week’s revelation that Graziano Di Prima was sacked over a video showing him kicking fellow contestant Zara McDermott.
According MirrorThe household name would “scream in rage” at the male celebrity if he did the steps incorrectly.
Although the complaint is expected to be emailed to law firm Carter Ruck on Sunday, it is not believed to include any allegations of physical abuse but appears to criticise senior BBC staff for their lack of support both during and after her time on the show.
A source said: ‘The man in question felt very victimised by his Strictly partner’s behaviour.
‘He says that on several occasions she became furious when he failed to do the steps correctly and that on one occasion she shouted in his face. They rowed every day.
The TV presenter branded those in power “deluded” and claimed they have “no respect” as he discussed whether funding for the BBC should be withdrawn.
Melanie accused show bosses of branding viewers as “big idiots” as she weighed in on the Strictly scandal in an explosive chat.
Amanda Abbington, 50, claimed she suffered PTSD after training with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice last year (pictured October)
Amanda abruptly quit the BBC show citing “personal issues” and has not been seen on screen since, even quitting social media last month in the wake of her former dance partner’s sacking.
Italian dancer Graziano Di Prima was fired from the show last week after being accused of kicking and spitting at former Love Island star Zara McDermott.
Zara wrote that while much of her time on Strictly “was everything I could have dreamed of”, inside the training room there were “particular incidents that are incredibly distressing”.
‘He was left upset, struggling to sleep and feeling isolated in the process. But worse, he felt totally unsupported by Strictly. When he suffered the setback, it was clear he was struggling, but he felt there was no duty of care. After he left the show, no one contacted him again, not even by phone.’
The source added that he was in a bad state and feared a public backlash if he spoke out.
However, it is believed that the relationship was not entirely negative and that the pair “got along at times” despite there being “challenging moments”.
Revelations come after Giovanni Pernice, 33, was the first professional to be suspended by the The BBC.
A probe is On trial for accusations of ‘bullying’ of at least three former contestants, including Amanda Abbington50-year-old, who said he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after training with the professional. last year.
Sources previously claimed that Amanda, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore had an “emotional summit” where they “compared notes” about their time working with Giovanni on the show.
Amanda left the show for ‘personal reasons’ before it emerged she had demanded footage of her rehearsals after suffering a ‘bruise’ when ‘Giovanni stepped on her foot during practice’.
Meanwhile, Ranvir complained about Giovanni to producers in 2020, during his time on the show, while Laura said she “cried every day” and felt “uncomfortable” while dancing with him in 2016. Giovanni denies all allegations against him.
The professional dancer, 30, has since apologised for his behaviour in a statement, admitting to kicking her (pictured).
Comments about Graziano’s harsh rules have resurfaced, with Zara previously revealing he only allowed her to wear men’s dance shoes, leaving her with “open wounds” on her feet.
Graziano’s spokesman said he apologized to Zara for kicking her at the time, but denied allegations that he ever spat at her.
The BBC is currently believed to be reviewing nine years of Strictly archive footage to confirm or deny the three celebrities’ claims.
Last week, another professional dancer, Graziano Di Prima, was fired over a video in which he was seen kicking his partner Zara McDermott. At the time, he apologised to Zara and admitted that he had “crossed the line”.
Admitting that while he “remembers pushing[Zara]quite hard” during training, Graziano’s spokesman said the reported descriptions “do not match” Graziano’s own memory.
He went on to claim that the Italian star, who has since moved back to his native Sicily, was left in a “very vulnerable state” as a result of the scandal.
His representative, Mark Borkowski, said: ‘This week’s news agenda has focused on an isolated incident which Mr Di Prima deeply regrets and for which he apologised at the time.
‘The barrage of comments, often without context or nuance, has created an avalanche that has left a young man in a very vulnerable state.’
According to sources at the show, the images of Graziano mistreating Zara left bosses with no choice but to cancel her contract.
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.
Additionally, dancer-turned-judge Anton DuBeke was found to have been embroiled in the controversy after his ex-partner Laila Rouass complained about language he used in 2009, for which he later apologized.
“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.”
Additionally, dancer-turned-judge Anton DuBeke was found to have been embroiled in the controversy after his ex-partner Laila Rouass complained about language used in 2009, for which he later apologized.