Strictly bosses have ‘demanded all professional dancers to undergo anti-bullying training’ ahead of this year’s show amid the misconduct probe.
BBC insiders say a new clause has now been added to the professional casts’ contracts stipulating they must complete the training if they wish to continue on the ballroom show.
The insiders also added chiefs are taking the new rules ‘very seriously indeed’.
The BBC is seeking to ramp up its duty of care to contestants after three celebrities complained to lawyers about alleged misconduct while competing on the show.
The findings of an investigation into the behaviour of former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice- who denies any wrongdoing – are expected to be made public imminently.
+6
Strictly bosses have ‘demanded all professional dancers to undergo formal anti-bullying training’ ahead of this year’s talent show following recent claims of misconduct
+6
View gallery
BBC insiders say a new clause has now been added to the professional cast’s contracts stipulating that they must complete the training if they wish to continue on the ballroom show
Giovanni, 33, quit the show in May amid allegations of misconduct, while Graziano Di Prima, 30, was axed from the show after it emerged he had been physically and verbally adusive to former partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals.
Following his exit, BBC bosses announced they would introduce chaperones to the training room and hire welfare staff to support stars and deliver ‘further training’ to cast and crew.
A BBC insider told The Mirror: ‘By making this training compulsory, the BBC are sending a crystal clear message to everyone involved in the show that this behaviour will not be tolerated.
‘The recent allegations and complaints have rocked Strictly, but they are determined it will not be derailed.’
‘They are going to do everything they can to prevent misconduct in future. They are taking these new rules very seriously indeed and anyone who does not comply will be gone in an instant.’
MailOnline has contacted Strictly’s representatives for comment.
The news of the new clause comes after Giovanni’s former dance partner Amanda Abbington, 50, told how she was left suffering ‘mild PTSD’ after her stint on the show.
Amanda – who has since openly condemned the dancer’s ‘nasty’ behaviour – went on to instruct Carter Ruck lawyers over her claims, and was joined by several other complainants.
In response, Giovanni instructed legal firm Schillings to defend him, while the BBC launched an internal probe which has seen a team of ex-cops tasked with gathering evidence.
+6
The BBC is seeking to ramp up its duty of care to contestants after three celebrities complained to lawyers about alleged misconduct (Strictly in 2023)
+6
View gallery
The findings of an investigation into the behaviour of former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice (seen) – who denies any wrongdoing – are expected to be made public imminently
+6
View gallery
Giovanni, 33, quit the show in May amid allegations of misconduct, while Graziano Di Prima, 30, was axed from the show after it emerged he had been abusive to Zara (pictured)
Laura Whitmore, who was paired with Giovanni in 2016, also revealed earlier this month that she and six others had spoken to the BBC regarding Amanda’s complaint against the dancer.
Speaking in a statement, Laura, 39, said she felt compelled to go public by ‘victim-shaming’ experienced by the Sherlock actress.
A second source also added that the BBC ‘has not ruled out’ making further changes to their duty of care policy.
It comes after BBC director general Tim Davie, 57, apologised to Strictly celebrities whose experience on the show wasn’t ‘wholly positive’ as he addressed the bullying scandal that has engulfed the show.
Speaking at the release of the annual BBC report, Mr Davie said there will inevitably be ‘competitiveness, hard work and the will to do well’ on the show, but added the ‘line should never be crossed’.
He added he was looking forward to the new series amid uncertainty over the show’s future with reports five professional dancers are in danger of being axed following recent claims of misconduct.
News
GIO-WHIZZ Giovanni Pernice cheered on by A list pal and former Strictly partner after he ANNOUNCES HUGE CAREER MOVE
THE findings from a probe into Giovanni’s conduct is set to be released in days GIOVANNI Pernice’s huge career move is being celebrated by an A-list pal and a former Strictly dance partner. Last night the dancer revealed he will…
Strictly’s Pete Wicks insists Zara McDermott will be his ‘NUMBER ONE FAN’ because she ‘LOVES THE SHOW’ – after she was @BUSED by her partner Graziano Di Prima
Pete Wicks has insisted Zara McDermott ‘loves Strictly‘ and will be his ‘number one fan’ when he competes. The TOWIE star, 36, signed up for the show just days after it emerged his friend Zara, 27, was physically and verbally abused by her professional dance partner Graziano…
GOING FOR GOLD I’m NOT PHASED by Strictly controversy…I’m so excited to go on show DESPITE SCANDALS and Curse, says Tasha Ghouri
Plus, why Tasha and Andrew are not worried about the dreaded Strictly Curse in the slightest THERE’S no denying Strictly Come Dancing has been weathering the toughest challenge of its 20-year existence. The much-loved BBC1 show has been thrown into turmoil…
Amanda Abbington is ‘DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED’ with BBC bosses over fears they are ‘PROTECTING’ Giovanni Pernice amid Strictly BULLY!NG PR0BE
Amanda Abbington is ‘deeply disappointed’ with BBC bosses over fears their ‘protecting’ Giovanni Pernice amid bullying probe. Sherlock actress Amanda, 50, has made a series of accusations about her pro Giovanni Pernice’s teaching methods and has described his behaviour as ‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’. He…
Kate Garraway apologises for ‘BAD QUESTION’ to Grenfell victim on Good Morning Britain
Kate Garraway swiftly offered an apology on Good Morning Britain following her chat with guest Sawsan Choucair. During the segment, Kate and co-host Ed Balls talked to Sawsan, who suffered the heartbreaking loss of six family members in the 2017…
STILL DANCING Giovanni Pernice ANNOUNCES new job after Strictly Come Dancing EXIT as BBC is set to RELEASE PR0BE FINDINGS
The star has shrugged off the news by revealing his new job on Instagram GIOVANNI Pernice has brushed off the Strictly scandal by landing a new job on the Italian version of the show. Giovanni, who quit Strictly Come Dancing in May…
End of content
No more pages to load