Tim Davie Apologizes for Strictly Come Dancing Complaints

Tim Davie has issued an apology over the alleged mistreatment of contestants on Strictly Come Dancing, coinciding with the BBC’s annual report announcement.

The BBC is grappling with its most significant controversy in two decades due to numerous allegations of bullying and violence involving some of the show’s principal dancers. Earlier this month, Graziano Di Prima exited the show after a video showing him kicking his former dance partner Zara McDermott was brought to BBC executives’ attention.

In response to the recent criticisms of the show, the BBC director general said, “I’m very sorry that anyone has had an experience on Strictly that hasn’t been wholly positive, I think that is something we do reflect on, and I’m sorry about that.”

Alongside addressing these concerns, the corporation highlighted its achievements over the past year and announced that it will reduce its full-time workforce by a net total of 500 roles over the next two years. The pay of its top talent was also revealed.

However, the disclosed salaries were cast into shadow by a series of allegations from former contestants regarding the adequacy of the show’s safeguarding procedures.

On Monday, ex-contestant Will Bayley revealed he suffered a severe injury while performing a jump during rehearsals for the show and claimed there was “no duty of care.”

The Paralympian stated that producers were warned the jump from a table in a routine was too dangerous. Despite this, he was encouraged to proceed, and after being injured, show bosses made him feel as though it was his fault.

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

The table tennis player joins other stars who have spoken out about their experiences on the show after concerns were raised about the treatment of contestants Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott.

Amanda Abbington criticized professional dancer Giovanni Pernice’s behavior, calling it “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean.” Pernice has denied these claims.

Graziano Di Prima’s departure from the show followed allegations about his treatment of Love Island star Zara McDermott.

On July 16, the BBC announced it would implement measures to “strengthen welfare and support” on the show, including ensuring that a chaperone is present “at all times” during training room rehearsals.

Source: BBC, The Guardian