The director general of the BBC has apologised to Strictly Come Dancing contestants who have had an experience that "hasn’t been wholly positive". Tim Davie spoke as the corporation unveiled its annual report amid a storm of negative stories about the culture and treatment of contestants on the hit programme. Mr Davie told journalists that there will inevitably be "competitiveness, hard work and the will to do well" on the show, "but there are limits and the line should never be crossed”.

He added: "We will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind." Asked if he is confident the show will go ahead this series, he said: “I need to be assured we have the right safeguarding and duty of care in place, and that is the first question I ask. READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Janette Manrara issues fresh message to fans amid claims after emotional tribute "I am assured by the robust actions we have taken in terms of the changes we have made .

.. that we are in a position to deliver a very good season this year and that has been my focus.

" Confirming the show's immediate future, he continued: “With that assurance, I’m looking forward to the next season.” Addressing how he felt when the allegations first emerged about the show, he said he was “disappointed”. He added: “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.

" He went on: "Stric.