Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has said allegations of abusive behaviour to past participants on the show have come as a ‘shock’ to him.
This week, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, 30, apologised for hitting and kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals after he was axed from the show.
It came after Giovanni Pernice, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is underway over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celebrity partners, which he denies.
Speaking to radio presenter Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales, Craig, 59, said: ‘I’m just finding out [about the allegations], like everybody else, through the press.
‘For me it’s a shock, and news to me, because the judges are never present at any of the teaching, we literally come in on a Saturday and just judge what we see before us.
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has said allegations of abusive behaviour to past participants on the show have come as a ‘shock’ to him
Craig continued: ‘So we’re kept very, very separate to the rest of the company.
‘For us it’s complete news. Every day that I read about something I think “That can’t be right”, so I’ll wait and see what happens with the investigations, but certainly we have nothing to do with that.’
Asked if he is worried about the future of Strictly, he added: ‘I don’t think so because it’s one of those shows that belongs in the people’s hearts that are at home who love dancing, and there’s nothing better than seeing someone come from nothing and work hard and move up to being absolutely phenomenal.’
It was recently reported Strictly Come Dancing bosses are considering hiring chaperones for stars following the pro dancers being accused of misconduct.
The BBC are said to be ‘toughening up’ their duty of care with executive Sam Bickley in charge of ensuring the welfare of participants.
Craig, who is currently starring in the UK tour of The Wizard Of Oz, said he thought it was a good idea.
‘When I was in Annie we had chaperones everywhere, because the kids and laws and all of that stuff,’ he said.
‘And I’ve noticed in the theatre world we have chaperones and people we can speak to if you’re having a down day.’
This week, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima , 30, apologised for hitting and kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott , 27, during rehearsals after he was axed (pictured)
It came just weeks after Giovanni Pernice , 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is underway over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50 (pictured)
Craig added: ‘We have psychologists on the shows now, and all of that, so I think it’s just a normal progression of what’s happening in life now.’
‘I think it’s good. I think it’s good to have that.’
On Tuesday it was reported a third Strictly Come Dancing professional has been named as a ‘person of interest’ in the wake of abuse and bullying allegations overshadowing the show.
The Sun reports that a third professional dancer – who is no longer on the show – is also part of the probe into the BBC series.
A source told the publication: ‘A professional’s name has come up, alongside Giovanni and Graziano.
‘He is no longer part of the show but he has been named as a person of interest. Conversations are ongoing and there are more people who need to be spoken to.’
They added: ‘A dossier is being compiled which will be handed over to the BBC. What is becoming clear is that there appears to be a more widespread issue over the conduct of some of the professionals in training.
‘And the more people who come forward, the clearer the picture is becoming.’
The BBC has been contacted by MailOnline for comment.
On Tuesday Strictly bosses announced plans to introduce chaperones during training, and the appointment of two new welfare producers, after Graziano’s shock sacking from the show.
Now, bosses have announced that they would be introducing ‘additional steps to strengthen welfare and support on Strictly Come Dancing.’
A statement from the corporation said: ‘Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals. The actions we announce today are designed to address that.’
The new measures include a member of
the production team being present during training room rehearsals at all times, and increased support for both celebrity contestants and the professional dancers.
A Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer will both be appointed to fulfil these added duties, and further training will also be delivered for the production team and crew.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, said: ‘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.’
On Tuesday it was reported a third Strictly professional has been named as a ‘person of interest’ in the wake of abuse and bullying allegations (Amanda and Giovanni pictured)
The announcement came just hours after former Love Island star Zara broke her silence on the scandal
She wrote that while much of her time on Strictly ‘was everything I could have dreamt of’ inside the training room there were ‘particular incidents which are incredibly distressing’
Addressing his exit from the show, a ‘devastated’ Di Prima wrote on Instagram over the weekend: ‘I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly’
The announcement comes just hours after former Love Island star Zara broke her silence on the scandal.
She wrote on Instagram on Tuesday morning that while much of her time on Strictly ‘was everything I could have dreamt of’ inside the training room with Graziano there were ‘particular incidents which are incredibly distressing’.
‘I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports,’ Zara began. ‘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 worth 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 incredible distressing to watch.
Zara explained that she didn’t report the incidents at the time as she was ‘scared’ of backlash.
Instead it was junior production staff who came forward to share what they had witnessed as the investigation into pro dancer Giovanni was taking place.
He added: ‘My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime’
‘I have wrested with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming,’ Zara wrote on Instagram.
‘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 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 and 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.’
