Strictly bosses introduce chaperones to all rehearsals

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:

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

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