Dancing on Ice bosses set up ‘24-hour hotline’ to halt bullying claims in wake of Strictly scandal: ‘Taking drastic action’
WATCH HERE: Holly Willoughby appears to swear during Dancing on Ice recording
ITV
Dancing on Ice bosses have decided to introduce a 24-hour hotline for the 2025 contestants where they can report concerns about bullying or seek mental health support.
The move comes in the wake of recent bullying scandals that have plagued rival show Strictly Come Dancing.
Celebrities participating in the upcoming series will each be assigned a dedicated producer to monitor their wellbeing, similar to the chaperone system recently implemented on Strictly.
A source told The Sun: "ITV puts the welfare of show contestants at the heart of what they do. No one needs another Strictly — and Dancing on Ice bosses want their stars to feel like they can speak out if something isn't right."
The broadcaster has reportedly sent a comprehensive six-page letter to its 12 celebrity contestants, outlining expectations and conduct guidelines for the show.
The document warns participants that the competition could leave them "physically and mentally drained."
Dancing on Ice bosses will implement a 24-hour hotline for the new celebrities
PA
It specifically addresses conduct with professional skating partners, emphasising that "winning should never come at the expense of integrity and respect."
"They will have access to a 24-hour hotline manned by professionals to raise concerns about any bullying or to get help with their mental health," the source continued.
The celebrities have reportedly welcomed these enhanced welfare measures, finding the additional support reassuring.
These new measures follow a turbulent period for BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, where actress Amanda Abbington quit last October after claiming her partner Giovanni Pernice was abusive towards her. Pernice was later cleared of 11 of her 16 allegations.
Ryan Thomas and Amani Fancy won the series earlier this year
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The show faced further controversy when Graziano Di Prima was dismissed in July for allegedly "kicking" his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott.
Former Dancing On Ice contestant Michael Barrymore recently added to the discourse, claiming he witnessed abuse from producers during his time on the ITV show.
Taking to social media platform X, Barrymore wrote: "I find it bewildering that BBC's #strictly is the only production under fire this week when ITV's Dancing On Ice treated their celebrities and dancers exactly the same - if not worse."
ITV strongly refuted Barrymore's allegations, with a spokesperson stating: "We do not recognise these unsubstantiated claims."
The broadcaster explained that training takes place in public ice rinks with skating marshalls present, or at their Bovingdon studio under production crew supervision.
They emphasised that independent skating coaches frequently oversee training sessions.
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Michael Barrymore hit out at the welfare team during his time on the show
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"We have always been very transparent about our welfare processes and are fully committed towards supporting cast and crew on our production. This is always the top priority," the ITV spokesperson added.
The broadcaster noted that their welfare protocols have been longstanding, with recent changes representing an expansion of existing measures rather than entirely new initiatives.
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