Reform UK Immigration and Justice spokesperson and ex-Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ann Widdecombe has come out swinging in light of allegations surrounding the BBC show.
The broadcaster announced on July 16 that new welfare measures will be introduced after professional dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice were removed from the line-up after allegations about their teaching methods.
Speaking on GB News, Widdecombe hit out at the new measures and also refuted the claims put forward.
Asked if the developments represent the “beginning of the end” for the show, Widdecombe said: “I do hope not. I don’t watch it much these days but it is a fun programme and it is family entertainment.
Ann Widdecombe has furiously defended the show
PA / GB NEWS
“I have to say, I have very little patience for this. Post traumatic stress disorder? This isn’t a war. This is a dance competition. What’s the matter with them?
“Secondly, they’re all adults. If they have a complaint, they should have made it. It’s also the celebrity in control, you can say, ‘sorry, I’ve had enough today’.”
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GB News host Patrick Christys asked about Di Prima admitting to kicking his dance partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott, saying “obviously there is a bit of this stuff going on”.
Widdecombe responded: “If it’s a real kick, that is scandalous, but you just don’t know.
“All I can is that celebrities are in control and they should have complained at the time.”
Di Prima, 30, confirmed his departure from the show on July 13.
Ann Widdecombe joined Patrick Christys on GB News
GB NEWS
In an Instagram post he said: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.
“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.”
Former Love Island star McDermott, 27, who was partnered with Di Prima in 2023, said she had feared “public backlash” and “victim shaming”.
Graziano Di Prima has been axed from Strictly Come DancingBBCShe wrote on Instagram: “So much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamed of.
“The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to work with.
“However, my experience inside the training room was very different. 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.”
Pernice, who will not return for the show in 2024, said in a social media post on June 16 that he has “always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour”.