BBC to Release Annual Report Amid Strictly Come Dancing Controversy

The BBC will release its annual report on Tuesday amid growing controversy concerning the culture and treatment of contestants on “Strictly Come Dancing.”

While the corporation plans to highlight its achievements over the past year and reveal the salaries of its top talent, the focus is likely to be on the flurry of negative stories about its flagship show and the ongoing internal investigation.

On Monday, former contestant Will Bayley revealed he suffered a serious injury while performing a jump during rehearsals for the show. The Paralympian has claimed there was “no duty of care.”

Bayley asserted that producers were warned that the jump from a table during a routine was too dangerous. Despite this, he was encouraged to perform the stunt. After his injury, he felt the show bosses made him feel as though it was his fault.

Bayley’s torn knee ligaments forced him to withdraw from the series in 2019.

The table tennis player is the latest star to speak out about his experiences on the show, following concerns raised about the treatment of contestants Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott.

Abbington has described professional dancer Giovanni Pernice’s behavior as “unnecessary, abusive, cruel, and mean,” claims that Pernice denies.

Additionally, Graziano Di Prima has left the show following allegations about his treatment of “Love Island” star McDermott.

On July 16, the BBC announced that it would implement measures to “strengthen welfare and support” on the show. This includes the introduction of a chaperone who will be present “at all times” during training room rehearsals.