Strictly bosses introduce chaperones to all rehearsals
Amid recent complaints against two professional dancers
Amid complaints against both Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice, BBC bosses have announced new plans to strengthen welfare and support on this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
In recent weeks, both Graziano and Giovanni have been removed from the 20th anniversary line-up, with Graziano releasing a statement over the weekend, admitting "intense passion and determination to win might have affected" his training regime.
Following the news, BBC bosses have now confirmed a production team member will be present during training room rehearsals at all times, between the celebrity and their professional partner.
Revealing the concerns that have risen over the last few months have all been related to training and rehearsals, bosses have introduced the following welfare steps:
1) Have a production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times.
2) Increase existing support with the addition of two new roles on the show dedicated to welfare support – a Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer.
3) Deliver further training for the production team and crew.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, says: "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."
Check out the rumoured names for this year's Strictly:
Pete Wicks
According to reports in the media in late July, former TOWIE star Pete Wicks has signed up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing! Pete is no stranger to TV, having appeared on the likes of Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and The Real Full Monty in recent years.
Paul Merson
Football legend Paul Merson has reportedly signed to appear on this year's series, following in the footsteps of his former Arsenal team mate Tony Adams.
GK Barry
Social media star GK Barry, also known as Grace Keeling, is rumoured to be in talks for the 2024 series, with bosses eager to bring in a younger audience. According to reports in the media, GK Barry is in 'advanced talks' after two meetings with bosses.
Nick Knowles
DIY SOS host Nick Knowles is also reportedly set to appear on the show this year, having been a huge fan for years.
Nicola Roberts
Following her appearance on the 2022 Christmas special, Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts could be about to sign up for the main show in 2024! Bosses are reportedly very keen to get Nicola on the show, following the success of Girls Aloud's reunion tour earlier this year.
Jill Scott MBE
After being crowned Queen of the Jungle during the 2022 series of I'm A Celebrity, former England footballer Jill Scott was heavily rumoured for the 2023 series of Strictly, but after Jill didn't feature, will 2024 be her year?
Tommy Fury
After showcasing his 'moves' on his spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer with Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, fans have been urging Strictly to sign up boxer Tommy Fury.
Sophie Morgan
Loose Women star and TV presenter Sophie Morgan is rumoured to become the first ever wheelchair user to take part in Strictly. A source said: "She is the ideal star to take on the role. Plus, she is very glamorous so will look amazing in the sequined costumes. She already has a huge fan base from Loose Women and is a huge advocate of using her platform to promote inclusivity. It's still very early stages and the crew will officially start on pre-production in the coming months."
Phillip Schofield
Rumours have circulated that Phillip Schofield could be taking to the Strictly dancefloor for years, but since his departure from This Morning after 21 years, they've stepped up a notch - with publications reporting that offers have been more "aggressive" this year than for previous series of the show.
Gino D'Acampo
He's loved by the masses, so it's no surprise Strictly bosses are keen to get TV chef Gino D'Acampo on the 2024 series. Gino has been asked to do the show in the past, but he turned the offer down. Will he accept this year?
Louis Theroux
Louis Theroux appeared on The Jonathan Ross show last year, where he said: "I know I've had too many drinks when I'm in the kitchen dancing while listening to something on the smart speaker, often hip-hop, and I start doing the funky robot and then I start doing MC Hammer spins.
"And that's where it happens and I start thinking I should really go on Strictly."
Now we would pay to see that - sign him up!
Rosie Jones
Comedian and actress Rosie Jones recently admitted watching deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis win the series in 2021 inspired her.
Speaking to metro.co.uk, she said: "I'd say what drives me, is when I was growing up, having cerebral palsy I didn't see anybody like me on TV.
"In recent years, people like Rose Ayling-Ellis on Strictly have just shown that having a disability isn't a disadvantage and it will never stop me!"
Perri Kiely
Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely confessed a few years ago he'd love to take part on the show. Speaking to Digital Spy, the former BGT winner said: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."
Tom Malone Jr
After leaving Gogglebox in 2021, Tom Malone Jr has expressed his interest in appearing on Strictly in the past. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."
Munroe Bergdorf
Model Munroe Bergdorf revealed last year she wants to make history by becoming Strictly Come Dancing's first ever transgender contestant.
She told the Make It Reign podcast: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."
Helen Worth
After announcing in June that she's leaving Coronation Street after an amazing 50 years, betting odds are high that actress Helen Worth could sign up for the show! However, as Helen is currently filming her Corrie exit scenes, it seems the 2025 series could be more practical.
Andrew Ridgeley
Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley confessed in July last year he'd love to take part in Strictly, admitting he'd love the chance to learn how to dance properly. He'd be a great signing for 2024!
Martin Roberts
Homes Under the Hammer host Martin Roberts is rumoured to be appearing after he told the Daily Mail newspaper at an awards ceremony: "I'm like a Ninja Mutant Hero Turtle - I just eat pizzas. Domino's Mighty Meat. I'm the stomach of Domino's, not the face of it.
"I should worry about what I eat because I had a health scare. I need to look after myself better. And certainly if I get this TV show later in the year. I'll have to get super fit."
Michelle Keegan
Since her husband Mark Wright made it into the Strictly final in 2014, every year rumours have been rife that actress Michelle Keegan will sign up.
But Mark set fire to the rumours even further when he took part in Christmas special back in 2019, telling the Radio Times: "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."
Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz
According to reports in early 2024, Strictly bosses were keen to make history on the show by signing up married couple Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz to both appear! The rumours are suggesting David and Victoria Beckham's son Brooklyn will be in direct competition with his wife Nicole. Now this would be a huge signing if bosses can pull it off!
After Italian dancer Giovanni Pernice was left out of this year's professional line-up following accusations he's always denied, it came to light over the weekend that fellow Italian Graziano had now been removed from the show, following similar accusations.
Taking to social media to announce his departure from the show, admitting he respects the BBC's HR team, he said: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it's best for the show that I step away.
'While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can't discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.
'I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.' (sic)
Zara McDermott, who was paired with Graziano during last year's show, has now also broken her silence on the matter, releasing her own statement.
27-year-old Zara said: 'I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports. Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.
'When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true. I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it. I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took.
'And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to work with. However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.
'I have wrestled with the fear of opening up- I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming. But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.
'The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I've seen through working with countless women on my documentaries. I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me - it really truly means a lot.
'Love, always. Zara.' (sic)
Following the exit of both Graziano and Giovanni, Aljaž Škorjanec has returned to the show following a two-year break.
Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year.
Now read:
Graziano Di Prima announces shock exit from Strictly
Aljaž Škorjanec is returning to Strictly as a pro dancer
Zara McDermott releases statement over Graziano Di Prima's Strictly exit