BBC to Introduce Welfare Measures on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ After “Gross Misconduct” Claims

The BBC has confirmed a chaperone will be present for every rehearsal of the U.K.’s beloved celebrity dance show, Strictly Come Dancing , following complaints about the behavior of two former professionals.

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Strictly fan-favorites Giovanni Pierce and Graziano Di Prima will not return for this year’s series, as the channel pledges two new dedicated welfare producers as part of a string of extra measures on set.

The new position follows an Instagram statement from ex-reality star Zara McDermott, who was assigned Di Prima as her dance partner in last year’s series. She described watching videos back of her time on the show as “incredibly distressing.”

“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,” McDermott said. “But after a lot of conversations 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.”

Di Prima has since left the show after claims of “gross misconduct” against one of his female partners, believed to be McDermott. Upon his exit, the 30-year-old Italian apologized and said he “deeply regrets” his actions. “My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime,” he added.

The fallout also follows the departure of another professional dancer, Pernice, in June. He was axed after his partner, Sherlock ‘s Amanda Abbington, left the series early and accused him of inappropriate, bullying behavior. At the time, she lodged a complaint about his misconduct to the BBC.

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The BBC said on Tuesday: “Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals. The actions we announce today are designed to address that.”

Among a production team member being present during rehearsals, new measures include a celebrity welfare producer and a professional dancer welfare producer, as well as further training for the production team and crew.

Kate Phillips, 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.”

Strictly Come Dancing is a staple of British television and has run every year on the BBC since 2004. Its 22nd season will commence this year.

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