Strictly Come Dancing faces more scandal, as staff members reportedly complained about a ‘toxic’ work environment. Some BBC employees are said to have accused the broadcaster of not taking their complaints seriously. This comes as the programme’s treatment of contestants has been called into question, with multiple former participants speaking out including Zara McDermott , Amanda Abbington , and Laura Whitmore .
A report by the Observer has given rise to new allegations, including claims that one staff member heard sexist and sexualised comments. They claim they faced ‘intrusive questions about their sex life’, and said some of the behaviour ‘crossed a line’. They alleged that when trying to file a complaint, they were directed towards the Film and TV Charity.
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It felt a bit blasé – handing off the responsibility to a charity rather than the company that is actually employing all of these people,’ said the former employee. The Observer saw a document from 2022 which shows that BBC staff and fixed-term contract employees who had concerns about the workplace were directed to an external whistleblowing hotline, while employees on freelance contracts were directed to ‘support through our partners at the Film and TV Charity, including whistleblowing services’. However, the charity said: ‘The charity is not for whistleblowing.
’ A second co-worker claimed they saw ‘talented co-workers treated with cruelty’. ‘In recent years we’ve seen talented co-workers treated with cruelty, incompetence rewarded, and egos unchecked. Total compliance is demanded of some, absolute free rein given to others,’ it was added.
While a third, who worked there eight years ago, called the workplace ‘tense, toxic, uncomfortable’. The complaints go back to 2016, encompassing multiple series. A spokesperson for BBC Studios told the publication: ‘The welfare of our crews working on each series of Strictly is always of paramount importance to us.
We act speedily when any concerns are raised, and we have thorough, effective and longstanding processes to manage them. ‘The show is a fast-paced live TV production environment that has attracted hundreds of people in the industry to work on who have had a positive experience, so we do not recognise the claims relating to a negative workplace culture – or that there are flaws in our whistleblowing process. ‘In 2022, we announced the introduction of our industry-leading initiative The Pledge on all our productions, including Strictly , which proactively encourages anyone on our sets to raise concerns of inappropriate behaviour via a number of avenues, including anonymously to Navex Global, an external whistleblowing service independent of the BBC and BBC Studios.
’ In regard to the referral to a charity, they said: ‘There is one whistleblowing service across the BBC Group which is independent and run by a third party that’s accessible to everyone – staff and freelance colleagues alike. Everyone is given the details of the Film and TV Charity support line, not for whistleblowing, but for the purposes of additional resource and support.’ The ballroom and Latin competition has been scrutinised recently after allegations came forward against several pro dancers .
Sherlock actress Amanda, who quit Strictly last year after five weeks, has described her former dance partner Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour as ‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’. Earlier this week, she has given a bombshell TV interview , in which she claimed Giovanni is blocking access to 50 hours of footage showing a ‘toxic’ rehearsal room. He’s denied the claims, and an investigation is taking place.
Graziano Di Prima shockingly left the programme and said he ‘deeply regrets’ the events that led to his departure. It is claimed he physically and verbally abused Zara in training. More celebrities have since criticised their treatment while participating in the series.
The director general of the BBC apologised to Strictly contestants who have had an experience that ‘hasn’t been wholly positive’. Tim 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.
’ The BBC is taking measures to introduce ‘practical steps’ to support welfare . Dance rehearsals will now be monitored, and a production team member will be present during training room rehearsals at all times. More Trending Olympics Opening Ceremony slammed as 'extremely disrespectful' to Christians Celebrity Race Across The World 2024 line-up 'revealed' after fans solve clue Amanda Abbington's parents sympathise with Giovanni Pernice as they speak out Why the BBC can't show full Olympics live coverage and how to watch all events The attention on Strictly’s conduct comes as they prepare to celebrate its 20th anniversary and the imment confirmation of the line-up .
It has been claimed that it’s been ‘more challenging’ to recruit female celebrities for Strictly after the recent onslaught of complaints . Metro.co.
uk has contacted BBC for comment. What I Own: I purchased my £592,750 East London two-bed flat at the age of 22 We built our posh shed office using stuff from the skip and saved £23,000 You can buy this seven-bed home for £80k — but you'll be the only person for miles around Property experts reveal what the Leasehold Reform Bill means for homeowners We bought our £298,000 Nottingham new-build using a little-known loophole Strictly Come Dancing will return on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year. Got a story? If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.
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uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you. MORE : Amanda Abbington’s parents sympathise with Giovanni Pernice as they speak out for the first time MORE : BBC star ‘set for Strictly 2024’ as controversy plagues beloved dance show MORE : Olympics Opening Ceremony slammed as ‘extremely disrespectful’ to Christians.
