The BBC has been criticised for their handling of the latest scandal to rock the broadcaster, as Strictly Come Dancing has been faced with several allegations of bullying in recent weeks.
The celebrity competition series, which turns 20 this year, has landed itself in hot water after the BBC received reports of professional dancers mistreating their celebrity partners.
Giovanni Pernice was the first to be axed after being accused by actress Amanda Abbington, who claimed her time on the show resulted in her having "mild PTSD".
This week, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima was also let go by the BBC after admitting to kicking former partner and TV star Zara McDermott in rehearsals.
John Sergeant has delivered his verdict on the Strictly Come Dancing scandal
BBC / GB News
In the scandal's latest development, dancer-turned-judge Anton Du Beke is also facing a possible legal complaint over historic allegations from one of his former celeb partners, Laila Rouass.
Discussing the ongoing revelations, former contestant and ex-BBC broadcaster John Sergeant noted how "difficult and tense" doing the show is, and how "stupid" the alleged behaviour of the accused professionals is.
Sergeant explained: "The people who are dancing have got to get on well together, but also they've got to learn all these steps, it's a very rigorous pattern.
"And for the people involved, you suddenly realise when you start Strictly, your professional partner has got to do well, meaning you've got to do well. There's two unlikely people brought together - how are you going to form a partnership?"
Anton Du Beke has been named as a 'fourth dancer' in the BBC's investigation
PA
Praising his former professional partner, Kristina Rihanoff, Sergeant claimed that they "respected each other" despite their age gap, and there was "certainly no kicking".
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Sergeant told GB News: "The nice thing about it is that they're so professional, these dancers, they've been at it for so long in their lives from the age of about four or five. Kristina Rihanoff, who I danced with, had started her career I think aged four.
"So they know a great deal about forming these partnerships, but they certainly don't involve kicking. And you've got to respect the other partner, and Kristina was wonderful."
Sharing his thoughts on the allegations surrounding multiple Strictly professionals, Sergeant admitted: "Some people abuse the system, and some bully other people when they shouldn't.
"But it's a very stupid thing to do, because you've certainly got to present to the public a picture of two people who are enjoying dancing with each other. And the best way to do that is to enjoy dancing with the other person."
John Sergeant said he and his professional partner Kristina Rihanoff had 'respect for each other' during the show
GB News
Host Ben Leo then argued that the BBC "surely would have seen things play out", as they have "producers around the show and cameras in the training rooms".
Sergeant echoed Ben's remarks, adding: "I am surprised about that. Sometimes there's cameras there, and you're miked up the whole time.
"But obviously there are lots of times when it's just you and your partner, you're practicing all the time. When I was doing it, there were people who got on so badly with their dancing partner that in training, the professional dancer would just get so cross with the celebrity.
"And once you've got that, like in any relationship, it just isn't going to work, is it?"
