Strictly Come Dancing’s Ian Waite reckons rehearsal rooms on the show can be ‘brutal’ amid reports of misconduct on the series (Image: ITV)

 

Strictly Come Dancing star, Ian Waite, has opened up about his time on the show as we wait for the BBC’s investigation into reports of ‘abusive’ behaviour in the rehearsal rooms

Strictly Come Dancing’s Ian Waite reckons rehearsal rooms on the show are tremendously tough amid reports of misconduct on the series.

Following claims made by Amanda Abbington regarding Giovanni Pernice’s ‘abusive’ behaviour towards her on the show last year, we are still awaiting the results of an investigation by the BBC.

Since the furore, the corporation has promised to put chaperones in every rehearsal room. However, Ian, who was on the show for five years and partnered with celebrities, including Zoe Ball, has hit out at the BBC, claiming the broadcaster’s decision to cut the number of people present in training rooms is unacceptable – and led to a number of complaints about its pro dancers.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Ian Waite with celebrity partner, Zoe Ball ( Image: PA)

Giovanni Pernice has denied the allegations made by Amanda Abbington ( Image: PA)

He told the Mail in collaboration with Buzz Bingo: “Around 20 years ago, we would have a two-person camera crew and we’d have a runner, so we’d have three people at every single training. More recently, what’s happened is that you only had one camera guy. That’s it, and they come in every other day, so you don’t necessarily get to see everything, and they’re not there for everything.

“There should be somebody there all the time for filming. For me, it’s kind of a no-brainer because anything can happen. It’s a long, tiring show, and I think it must get so exhausting towards the end. I think everything really needs to be documented.”

Ian’s comments come as the BBC’s flagship show has been thrown into chaos amid allegations of ‘bullying’ and abuse for two of its former dancers, Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice.

Giovanni has strenuously denied all the allegations made against him and has vowed to clear his name. However, Graziano admitted to kicking his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, who said she was too scared to speak about her experience with the Sicilian after the show.

Ian, who was part of Strictly from 2004 to 2009, claims the dancers have never been told what they “can and can’t say” to the celebrities. He concluded: “We need to have safeguarding processes in place, not only for the celebrities but for the safety of everyone involved.”

BBC bosses are now reportedly racing to finish their probe into Strictly before the new series starts. The corporation is yet to conclude their investigation into professional dancer Giovanni and his time with celebrity partner Amanda. Strictly will return to screens on September 14, leaving a matter of days for bosses to resolve the probe before the show starts.

A source told the Sun on Tuesday: “The BBC is under huge pressure to get this probe done and dusted before September 14 when the new series kicks off. It’s a ticking time bomb to get it done in time while not leaving any stone unturned. All evidence has been reviewed, and it is looking like we are now days away from an announcement.”