BBC Strictly 'toxic' environment led to celeb 'SHOUTING' in runner's face as saga around show takes new turn

One runner who worked on the annual show alleged to the BBC that Strictly's "culture was toxic, particularly for junior staff".

The runner, Oscar, recalled how one of the celebrity contestants had once flown into a furious rage with him. He claimed he was passing on simple instructions before a show, but the unnamed celebrity couldn't be calmed down when he responded with fury.

"He was shouting and he was so close up in my face, I had to close my eyes as his spit flecks were hitting me," Oscar claimed.

Touching on the impact of the incident, he continued: "The fact it was in front of everyone made me feel awful and helpless. People were stopping in the corridor to catch a glimpse of what was happening."

The former Strictly runner added: "I remember thinking that this was it, and I couldn't take it anymore. It was the final straw for me."

He left soon after. Elsewhere, he claimed that in another incident, he was called "stupid" for asking for a handover, he explained: "It was bullying behaviour. I felt sick and couldn't sleep or eat."

While he went on to say the celebrity eventually apologised to him, he argued it should never have happened to begin with.

Former TV packaging editor Jane also reflected on what it had been like to work for the show. "I think it’s awful for the celebrities who suffered, but I think for the crew it’s a much bigger problem," she admitted.

The BBC report goes on to state that of the 15 current and former members of staff spoken to, some had positive experiences without any incidents to note.

In response to Oscar's account, BBC studios said it was "sorry" and that the team "proactively encourage everyone on set to raise concerns of inappropriate behaviour via several avenues, including anonymously to an external third-party whistleblowing service independent of the BBC/BBC Studios".

The company added it "does not recognise" the claims and added: "Nor will hundreds of production personnel who have worked with us through multiple series and across the two decades the show has been on air."

The statement concluded: "We act speedily when any issues are raised, and have thorough, effective, and longstanding processes to manage them - and we’re sorry if anyone didn’t feel able to talk about their experience on-set at the time."

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The bombshell claims come after a disastrous year for the programme, which began when last year's contestant Amanda Abbington claimed professional dancer Giovanni Pernice had been "abusive" towards her.

The BBC eventually launched an investigation into the accusations and while the findings haven't yet been published, Graziano Di Prima, 30, has also been axed alongside Pernice. The 33-year-old Italian continues to deny claims made against him.

The broadcaster said recently it will be introducing new measures to prevent misconduct, such as the introduction of chaperones in rehearsal rooms.

Meanwhile, BBC's director general Tim Davie previously apologised to contestants on the show who had "an experience that hasn't been wholly positive".