BBC to supervise Strictly contestants during rehearsals after complaints about dancers

Strictly Come Dancing star Zara McDermott has spoken out for the first time since her former Strictly dance partner left the show after allegations of misconduct, Entertainment Reporter Rishi Davda reports

The BBC has announced that contestants on Strictly Come Dancing will now be supervised "at all times" by a production team member after complaints were raised about two of its professional dancers.

In a statement the corporation said that "concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals."

It comes after the announcements that professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice had left the programme.

Earlier, former celebrity contestant and reality star Zara McDermott opened up about her time on Strictly Come Dancing following her former professional dance partner Di Prima's exit from the BBC show.

In a post on her Instagram account, the presenter and model said that while so much of her time on Strictly was everything she "could have dreamt of", her time in the training room was "very different".

Zara McDermott at the Brit Awards 2023. Credit: AP

The BBC also announced two new roles on the show that would be dedicated to welfare support, as well as the delivery of further training for the production team and crew

It comes amid reports of allegations about 30-year-old Di Prima's conduct with a past participant on the show.

"Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch," McDermott said.

The 2023 contestant said she had "wrestled with the fear of opening up" about her time on the show because she feared "public backlash" and "victim shaming".

“The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud," she added.

McDermott, 27, thanked the BBC and BBC Studios, which makes Strictly, for their “swift action and incredibly high level of support”.

In a statement shared on Saturday, Di Prima, who joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, confirmed his departure from the show.

“My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away," he said.

McDermott and Di Prima appearing on Strictly in October 2023. Credit: PA

“While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends."

On Tuesday Kate Phillips, the BBC’s Director of Unscripted, said: "Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act.

Another dancer, Giovanni Pernice, will also no longer be on the 2024 line-up of professionals amid allegations about his teaching methods, which he rejects.

Pernice previously said in a statement that he looks “forward to clearing my name”.

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