Will Bayley blasts 'depressing' BBC Strictly reaction to 'lifelong' injury claims as Janette Manrara speaks out
Will Bayley reflected on his 2019 Strictly Come Dancing injury, which he remains impacted by today
PA/BBC
Strictly Come Dancing remains at the forefront of the news this week, with the latest claims amid the ongoing scandal being made by Paralympian Will Bayley.
Bayley said on Tuesday that while he doesn't blame Janette Manrara for a lifelong injury he sustained as a result of training with her for the show in 2019, he believes the BBC should take more responsibility - particularly with disabled participants.
The table tennis star insisted he isn't jumping on the bandwagon following recent claims made against Strictly and that he has voiced concerns in the past which seemed to fall of deaf ears.
"First of all, I just want to say my time with Janette [Manrara], everything about her - she was incredibly supportive, hard-working, she had a will to win like me," he explained.
Speaking on Tuesday's BBC Breakfast, the sports star continued: "We were an amazing team and we got on so well."
He went on to admit: "My injury could have been avoided - I think maybe professional dancers need extra training if they are dealing with someone with a disability."
Will Bayley suffered a devastating injury on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019
BBC
He made clear he has never blamed the dancer for his injuries as he went on to argue: "If the BBC are brilliant enough to get some people in with disabilities, they have to make sure they are safe."
Opening up about the impact the injury has had on him and how the broadcaster's response to his concerns was "depressing," the 36-year-old recalled: "I got someone to help me write to the BBC about the problems I had, and basically, the things I felt could have been improved.
"And I was in a bit of a depression when I read it [the response]. It was really depressing, it was like, 'We have done everything we can do and we support you.' It felt like I was making a mountain of out a molehill."
Manrara, who starred as a professional in the show until 2021 when she joined its spin-off show, It Takes Two, responded to claims by Bayley earlier this week.
Will Bayley made clear he doesn't blame dancer Janette Manrara for his injury
BBC
Breaking her silence, a statement released by the 40-year-old's representatives said: "Janette had a great time dancing with Will and one of her favourite moments on the show was doing their contemporary couples' choice."
"Her celebrity partner's safety and enjoyment was always the priority throughout her time on Strictly."
Speaking to MailOnline, they continued: "Janette has never received any complaints and has maintained friendships with all her partners, including Will."
A resurfaced clip from Bayley's injury in 2019 shows the moment he was left curled up on the floor in agony following the jump.
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Janette Manrara starred as a professional in Strictly until 2021 when she became host of It Takes Two
BBC
The Paralympian didn't perform that week and it was later announced he would be withdrawing from the show.
A BBC spokesperson told GB News in response to Bayley's claims: "We have longstanding protocols for dealing with injuries if they occur and that includes contestants receiving all necessary treatment and support as required."
It comes as concerns about the show's future have circulated after a BBC probe into the show has found instances of "abusive" behaviour, with both Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima removed from the show's line-up.