All future Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals will be policed by a member of production staff following a duo of high-profile complaints that has seen two dancers exit the show.
The BBC and producer BBC Studios are bringing in new measures to avoid a repeat of the complaints, with two dedicated welfare producers also set to be brought in and additional training for the production team and crew.
The BBC said that a member of the Strictly production staff will be placed in all future rehearsals from now on, with the show entering its 20th year.
“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,” said Kate Phillips, the BBC’s unscripted boss. “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.”
The news comes a few hours after former contestant Zara McDermott spoke for the first time about her treatment on the show. McDermott’s partner Graziano Di Prima has left the show after allegations of “gross misconduct.” He has apologized and said he “deeply regrets” the events that led to his exit.
Another popular dancer, Giovanni Pernice, has announced he is to leave the show, following allegations by a celebrity partner, actress Amanda Abbington, that she suffered PTSD after training with him. Pernice denies all reports of inappropriate behaviour, and the BBC’s investigation is continuing.
Strictly Come Dancing is one of the BBC’s most popular TV shows, often topping its annual most-watched list.