The BBC is under fire for “failing” to control the drama surrounding Strictly Come Dancing as the show becomes mired in scandal over the treatment of contestants.
The corporation has said it is announcing “additional steps to strengthen welfare and support” on the popular series.
Showbiz journalist Rebecca Twomey asked on GB News why the broadcaster failed to act sooner.
“There is a big point about why the BBC haven’t acted sooner and why they seem to act so many times over the years”, she said.
Rebecca Twomey questioned why the BBC haven't acted sooner
GETTY / GB NEWS
“It appears they have learned no lessons. I think the big scandal really at the moment and why people are so interested is because Strictly has always been a positive, beautiful thing to watch.
“It’s visually stunning. Also, people really connect because it’s innocent entertainment, it’s just beautiful dancing.
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“I know there has been scandal on the show with romance and rumours of affairs, but overall, it has been without any scandal aside from that.
“So having something like this has really tainted the magic of what is a family show. It is also showing the pressure of reality TV.
“The put a show of the magnitude and professionalism of this requires a lot of hard work and pressure. Some people are okay with that sort of pressure, but some aren’t.”
As part of the new welfare measures the show will be introducing, a member of the production team will now be present “at all times” during training room rehearsals.
Twomey joined Stephen Dixon and Ellie Costello on GB News
GB NEWS
A celebrity welfare producer and a professional dancer welfare producer will also be introduced.
It comes after Love Island star Zara McDermott opened up about her time on the BBC programme, saying videos of “particular incidents” are “incredibly distressing” to watch.
She spoke out after her partner on the show, Graziano Di Prima, pulled out of the 2024 billing, acknowledging his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime”.
He added he “deeply regrets” the events leading up to his departure.
Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima were paired together in last year's Strictly Come DancingBBCThe BBC has insisted it has a robust duty of care procedures, which it has now bolstered in light of complaints.
McDermott is not the only star to speak out, with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice not returning for the 2024 series after denying claims of “abusive or threatening behaviour”.
It had been widely reported that Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington had experienced difficulties with Pernice.
The BBC has been contacted by GB News for comment.
