Pasha Kovalev gives damning BBC Strictly verdict amid scandals after wife Rachel Riley's PTSD admission
Pasha Kovalev shared his thoughts on the Strictly Come Dancing saga
PA
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Pasha Kovalev has shared his thoughts on the current "misconduct" investigation and claims surrounding the show.
Kovalev, 44 - whose wife Rachel Riley took part in the series as a contestant when they met - commented on the ongoing BBC probe which has seen two professional dancers axed.
In a seeming dig at his former employer, the Russian dancer stated people "should be heard" when they raise concerns, branding the current accusations as "shocking".
Appearing on ITV's Loose Women on Thursday, he gave his verdict on the ongoing investigation: "It's sad and shocking. We need to find ways not to let that happen again - I'm sure a lot of people don't believe it.
"Some people come forward and are not heard," he criticised. "We need to create an atmosphere where everyone is heard and they can go out there and have the best time of their lives."
Kovalev is married to Countdown star Riley after meeting the 38-year-old when she took part in Strictly in 2013.
Pasha Kovalev shared his thoughts on the Strictly Come Dancing saga
PA
The dancer's remarks come days after Riley came forward to say the experience had left her with PTSD following Amanda Abbington's claims that she was also diagnosed with the condition following her stint with Giovanni Pernice.
Maths whizz Riley went on to add: "A lot of people who have done it can relate. It's like a trauma bonding, hostage situation, not with your partner but with the show."
Calling for Strictly to provide cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for contestants, she stated: “I know from my time on it 11 years ago, even the most sane, solid, grounded people - it can do something to you.”
Speaking at the Inspiration Awards For Women, The Mirror reports she added: “And there’s so many people that I’ve seen in subsequent years that have that shared experience.
Pasha Kovalev argued people making claims about the professional dancers should be 'heard'
PA
“I don’t think even production are aware of quite what it does to people."
Abbington, 52, decided to leave the show early last year, exiting in week five and later making allegations about "abusive" behaviour from Pernice.
An investigation followed, which has seen more accusations against the show and professional dancers' approach to training.
On Wednesday, Abbington broke her live TV hiatus when she gave a bombshell interview to Channel 4. She alleged: "There is evidence out there of what happened in that room and I am not blocking it. It is bullying and aggressive behaviour and other things that were quite upsetting."
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Countdown star Rachel Riley took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2013
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As well as employing chaperones in all rehearsals, the broadcaster has said there will also be two new dedicated welfare producers on the show.
Kate Phillips, the BBC's director of unscripted, said in a report by the broadcaster: "Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act.
"Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals.
"The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production."