Former politician and Strictly Come Dancing star Ann Widdecombe, 76, has torn into the new rules set to be implemented on the BBC dance show and insisted that the partaking celebrities are “in control” after Graziano Di Prima, 30, became the second professional to be axed due to conduct.
Reports claim that the 30-year-old “kicked, hit and spat” at partner Zara McDermott during their training sessions together – leaving the former Love Island star “too scared” to speak out.
The claims have pushed the BBC to make some big changes – with Di Prima’s departure coming off the back of Giovanni Pernice’s and ahead of the 20th-anniversary special series.
The broadcaster is said to be putting a member of the production staff in all future rehearsals and will also dedicated two new welfare producers on the show.
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s director of unscripted, said in a report by the broadcaster: “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.
“Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals. The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production.”
Ann Widdecombe took part in Strictly in 2010 and was paired with Anton Du Beke
BBC
Since the claims have emerged, Widdecombe has issued a fiery rant against the BBC and claimed that the adults are “in control” during the training sessions – noting they can stop at any time.
Discussing the ongoing investigations on the Jeremy Vine Show on Channel 5, she fumed: “I’m sorry, I don’t have much patience, for two reasons.
“First of all, everything that you do when you are training is filmed and recorded, and there are usually two people there, both sound and camera, but always at least one.
“So there’s already a third party in the room and it’s all on record. And if somebody is being kicked and punched, that should have been filmed, that’s the first thing.
“The second thing is, amazingly as it may appear, it is the celebrity who’s in control. You can say, ‘Sorry, I can’t do any more today’. We are actually in control. We can say, ‘Sorry, I’m worn out, I’ve had enough, can’t do the thing you want me to do’.
Amanda Abbington kick-started the investigations after her claims against Giovanni Pernice
BBC
“These are adults. I’d take a very serious view of this if these were kids. These are adults. What do we mean, bullied? These are adults, what do we mean by bullying? Why didn’t they take action?”
Widdecombe’s response comes after the former commissioner Lorraine Heggessey claimed the show will survive and get over the bullying claims – whilst being happy Abbington and McDermott shared their stories.
She told BBC Radio 4: “Thank goodness Zara McDermott has now spoken out as has Amanda Abbington and now the team are doing something about it. As I say, I think Strictly can get over this, I think, you know we should have on to all the positives and address the issue and move on.
“I think it’s very sad that these things have happened and clearly a line has been crossed by some of the professional dancers. But I think that what’s important is the BBC is dealing with it swiftly and putting in place measures to make sure these things don’t happen again.”
Graziano Di Prima was the second professional to be axed from the BBC series
Whilst Abbington has kept a low-profile over the last couple of months, McDermott recently released a statement regarding her allegations against Di Prima, and told her Instagram followers: “I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.
“Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl. When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true.
“I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it. I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took.
“I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming,” she said. “But after a lot of conversation with those I love, I’ve 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.”