The corporation said it is announcing “additional steps to strengthen welfare and support” on the popular BBC series, after concerns “have arisen in recent months” that are “fundamentally about training and rehearsals”. It comes amid allegations about the teaching methods of professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, which he denies, and reports about the alleged treatment of reality star Zara McDermott while she was on the show. The new measures include the addition of a celebrity welfare producer and a professional dancer welfare producer.
The BBC has also said the production team and crew will undergo further training. 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.” Love Island star McDermott, 27, opened up about her time on the BBC One programme following her former professional partner Graziano Di Prima’s exit from the show. On Instagram she wrote in response to reports about her “treatment on the show” and said: “I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was sc.