Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has said allegations of abusive behaviour towards previous contestants have come as a “shock” to him.
This week, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, 30, apologised for punching and kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals after he was booted from the show.
It came after Giovanni Pernice, 33, was suspended. while a BBC An investigation is underway into Claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington50 years old, and two other famous ex-partners, which he denies.
Speaking to radio presenter Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales, Craig, 59, said: ‘I’m finding out about them, like everyone else, through the press.
‘For me it is a shock and a novelty, because the judges are never present in any of the teachings, we literally arrive on a Saturday and simply judge what we see before us.
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has said allegations of abusive behaviour towards previous contestants have come as a “shock” to him.
Craig continued: ‘So we are kept very, very separate from the rest of the company.
“For us it’s total news. Every day I read something I think: ‘That can’t be true’. So I’ll wait to see what happens with the investigations, but of course we have nothing to do with it.”
Asked if he is worried about the future of Strictly, he added: “I don’t think so because it’s one of those shows that belongs to the hearts of people who are at home and love to dance, and there’s nothing better than seeing someone come from nothing and work hard and rise to be absolutely phenomenal.”
It was recently reported that Strictly Come Dancing bosses are considering hiring accompanists for the stars to shadow the professional dancers. be accused of misconduct.
The BBC is said to be “toughening up” its duty of care with chief executive Sam Bickley in charge of ensuring the welfare of participants.
Craig, who is currently starring in the UK tour of The Wizard of Oz, said he thought it was a good idea.
“When I was at Annie we had chaperones everywhere, because of the kids and the laws and all that,” she said.
“And I’ve noticed that in the theatre world we have companions and people we can talk to if we’re having a bad day.”
This week, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, 30, apologised for punching and kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals after he was fired (pictured)
This comes just weeks after Giovanni Pernice, 33, was suspended pending a BBC investigation into allegations of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50 (pictured).
Craig added: “We have psychologists on the shows now, and all that, so I think it’s just a normal progression of what’s going on in life now.”
“I think it’s good. I think it’s good to have that.”
On Tuesday it was reported that a third Strictly Come Dancing professional has been named as a “person of interest” in the wake of allegations of abuse and harassment that have cast a shadow over the show.
Sun A third professional dancer, who is no longer on the show, is also reportedly part of the investigation into the BBC series.
A source told the publication: ‘In addition to Giovanni and Graziano, the name of a professional has emerged.
“He is no longer part of the program, but he has been named as a person of interest. Discussions are ongoing and there are more people who need to be spoken to.”
They added: “A dossier is being compiled which will be passed on to the BBC. What is becoming clear is that there appears to be a more widespread problem with the conduct of some of the trainees.
“And the more people come forward, the clearer the picture becomes.”
MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.
Tuesday strictly Bosses have announced plans to introduce training companions and the appointment of two new wellness producers, following Graziano’s shock sacking from the show.
Now bosses have announced they will be introducing “additional measures to strengthen wellbeing and support across Strictly Come Dancing”.
A statement from the corporation said: “The concerns that have been raised in recent months have been primarily about training and rehearsals. The measures we are announcing today are designed to address these.”
New measures include the presence of a member of the production team during rehearsals in the training room at all times and increased support for both celebrity contestants and professional dancers.
A celebrity wellness producer and a professional dancer wellness producer will be appointed to fulfill these additional duties, and additional training will also be provided for the production team and staff.
Kate Phillips, director of BBC Unscripted, said: ‘While we know our programmes have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised or inappropriate behaviour is reported to us we will always take it seriously and act on it.
“The concerns that have been raised relate primarily to training and rehearsals. The decisive measures we have taken and announced today serve to further strengthen the well-being and support of all those involved in this production.”
On Tuesday it was reported that a third Strictly professional has been named as a “person of interest” following allegations of abuse and harassment (Amanda and Giovanni pictured)
The announcement came just hours after former Love Island star Zara broke her silence on the scandal.
She 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”.
Addressing his exit from the show, a ‘devastated’ Di Prima wrote on Instagram over the weekend: ‘I am deeply sorry for the events that led to my departure from Strictly.’
The announcement comes just hours after former Love Island star Zara broke her silence on the scandal.
She wrote on Instagram on Tuesday morning that while much of her time on Strictly “was everything I could have dreamed of” inside the training room with Graziano, there were “particular incidents that are incredibly distressing”.
“I felt it was only right to post something about the recent media reports,” Zara began. “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 invited 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 put my all into it.”
“I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to give whatever was necessary.”
“And so much of my experience on Strictly was everything I could have dreamed of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes, as well as my fellow contestants, were amazing.
‘However, my experience inside the training room was very different. There have been reports made about the treatment I received on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular 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.
YoInstead, it was the junior production staff who came forward to share what they had witnessed during the investigation into the professional dancer. Juan It was taking place.
He added: “My intense passion and determination to win may have affected my training regime.”
“I’ve struggled with the fear of opening up: I was afraid of the public reaction, I was afraid of my future, I was afraid of being shamed,” Zara wrote on Instagram.
“But after many conversations with my loved ones, I have gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.
‘The culture of our society makes it difficult for people to express themselves, especially in a world where opinions and voices on social media are so loud. This is something I have seen from working with countless women on my documentaries.
“I would like to thank the BBC and BBC Studios for their quick response and incredible level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me. It means the world to me. Love always. Zara.”
