For quite some time now, it has been known for its extravagance as one of the most popular TV programs. In this show, celebrities challenge their boundaries by mastering a series of demanding dance routines.
Lately, the controversial phase of Strictly Come Dancing has taken an unexpected twist. Reports suggest that two of its performers are under investigation for drug use, and a renowned figure from the past has been detained on accusations of sexual assault.
This situation represents only a small part of the significant challenges the series has faced over several turbulent months. These difficulties have arisen following Wynne Evans’ contentious departure, as well as accusations of inappropriate behavior towards professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
Previously, Strictly Come Dancing spectators would joke about the infamous “curse” that affected some celebrities, who developed relationships with their dance partners either during or following the competition.
Even though this phrase might not be something managers are eager to recall, it appears that the program may indeed find itself in a challenging position, with its mounting scandals showing no signs of abating.
It appears that the recent cloud of criticism has fallen upon the new series, with many devoted followers voicing their discontent over this season’s selection, which seems to have a noticeable imbalance in female representation compared to male characters, making it what they deem as the most disappointing lineup so far.
Moreover, there are many other controversies from the past that the show has faced, such as voting errors, debates about ageism, and contentious departures.
For BBC executives, the path seems set for Strictly Come Dancing’s comeback next month; however, for viewers, it might be challenging to push aside the turbulence in the news that has made such a strong impact…
Rape allegations
Last week, news broke out about a well-known male celebrity, formerly on Strictly, being taken into custody for alleged sexual assault charges.
The police are currently questioning a man regarding accusations about him sharing private, intimate images without consent.
The authorities are interrogating a man in relation to claims of distributing private intimate photos without the individuals’ approval.
Based on reports from The Mirror, leaders remain optimistic that the dance show, even its training segments, will continue uninterrupted. Additionally, it was mentioned that an ongoing police inquiry persists.
The Met Police said the alleged rape victim is being supported by specialist officers.
On August 22nd, a man was taken into custody by police for alleged charges related to sexual assault (rape) and the distribution of private, explicit images without consent.
Collaborating with Hertfordshire Constabulary, our ongoing inquiry remains in its initial phase. We kindly ask that anybody holding relevant details steps forward to share their information with us.
‘An arrest has been made based on accusations from someone else about sexual misconduct and drug crimes. Further investigations are currently being carried out.’
The Met Police also added the alleged rape victim is being supported by specialist officers.
Cocaine use probe
An external investigation into a popular family-show was initiated by lawyers recently, due to allegations that two of its actors were found using cocaine.
According to The Sun on Sunday, I’ve learned that detectives from the Metropolitan Police are apparently looking into additional allegations.
In my expertise, it’s crucial to shed light on the latest unfolding events at the BBC. I must admit, it’s quite unexpected that the authorities, specifically the police, have become involved in scrutinizing accusations concerning the popular show, Strictly Come Dancing. This recent development indeed adds a dramatic twist to an already challenging period for the BBC.
Regardless of the ordeals faced by the show and its staff lately, it’s highly questionable that Scotland Yard investigators are now involved in the investigation of Strictly Come Dancing.
‘This is their biggest prime-time family entertainment show, so it’s not a good look for the BBC.’
In the investigation regarding drugs, there was a cast member who was additionally rumored to have consumed alcohol during work hours, as the scent of alcohol was detected on them by fellow crew members.
According to reports, it’s common knowledge that an unidentified duo is said to have consumed an illegal drug, Class A, and among them, one Strictly Come Dancing participant has a reputation for heavy drinking.
Now, it’s been revealed that last year’s event saw junior team members tasked with monitoring senior colleagues, specifically watching for possible instances of alcohol consumption during working hours, as reported by the media.
Last week, a staffer also claimed they were offered cocaine by one of the show’s stars.
The individual asserted that the use of drugs was prevalent on the show to such an extent that, upon discovering a questionable bag of white powder, a nonchalant senior producer simply instructed him to place it on their desk. This occurrence seemed so ordinary that it didn’t even warrant a raised eyebrow.
Furthermore, it was mentioned that the two celebrities who used cocaine during the program are being given opportunities for professional assistance.
Lack of interest from women
As a lifestyle enthusiast, I must say that the 2021 Strictly lineup has sparked quite a conversation among fans, with an eclectic mix of familiar faces gracing the stage this year. Among them are Dani Dyer, the victorious Love Island contestant, Vicky Pattison from Geordie Shore, and Tom Skinner who once vied for a spot in The Apprentice. It’s going to be quite an interesting season!
As a committed supporter observing closely, it seems that an unusually low number of female celebrities have joined the lineup this season, with only six females as opposed to nine male participants. It appears that the selection criteria has been somewhat relaxed when it comes to choosing participants for the show.
Previously, management had a rule against influencers and reality stars participating, but now, even individuals like the former Apprentice contestant Tom (who was let go by Lord Sugar in 2019), considered notable enough to compete. Interestingly, one Daily Mail reader commented: “More than half of them aren’t celebrities.
The lackluster line-up has not been ignored, with thousands of Strictly fans expressing their criticisms on platform X.
As a connoisseur of all things entertainment, I must confess that Strictly, once a shining star in the television landscape, seems to have lost its luster. Over time, it’s become embroiled in one controversy after another, making it an uphill battle for the show to regain its former glory.
From being quite strict with their choice of performers, the bosses now seem to be more flexible. They are bringing in celebrities who have had extensive experience across various shows, including those who have won titles such as “I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!” in Vicky’s case.
It seems that the absence of female participants in the cast this year suggests a significant issue. It appears that many women might be hesitant to join, perhaps due to the controversies that have arisen over the past few years. Additionally, it appears that not enough changes have been implemented to ensure a safe and secure training environment for them.
The show, which used to be cherished by viewers across generations, carries a heavy sadness now. A persistent gloom has descended upon it, leading many to speculate that this may be its final run.
In 2021, we have some notable additions to our cast, such as Balvinder Sopal from EastEnders, Kristian Nairn known for Game of Thrones, soccer player Karen Carney from the Lionesses, Ross King who frequently reports on showbiz for Lorraine, and Ellie Goldstein – a trailblazer who became the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue.
Besides rugby player Chris Robshaw, actors Stefan Dennis from Neighbours and Alex Kingston from Doctor Who, YouTube personality George Clarke, and sportsman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will all be dancing on Strictly Come Dancing’s dance floor in the upcoming month.
Wynne Evans’ axe
Last year, Wynne, formerly known for his role in Go Compare commercials, danced alongside Katya Jones on Strictly Come Dancing.
However his time on the show was mired in controversy.
I found myself caught on camera, employing the derogatory phrase “spit roast” – referring to a threesome – towards my co-star, Jamie Borthwick, regarding professional dancer Janette Manrara, during the debut of the Strictly Live Tour.
A statement of apology was issued on Wynne’s account, resulting in his temporary removal from the live tour of Strictly Come Dancing.
Evans stated that he wasn’t aware of the statement prior to its release. The statement said: ‘I deeply regret using inappropriate and unacceptable language, for which I offer my sincere apologies.’
In my line of work as a lifestyle expert, I understand the importance of words and how they can be perceived differently in various contexts. When I found myself unintentionally causing offense, my immediate response was a heartfelt, “Oh dear, I’m truly sorry.” However, it seemed that this sincere apology was interpreted by the press team as a formal one, potentially amplifying the situation and making it appear more severe than intended. This experience serves as a reminder of the power of words and the importance of understanding their potential impact.
According to Evans, a crisis team put him under constant supervision due to suicide concerns following an event that significantly disrupted his professional path.
Wynne stated that his use of the phrase “spit roast” wasn’t meant to be a sexual comment about the female presenter, but instead, it was a term he affectionately used for his fellow competitor, Jamie Borthwick.
While working together on the main show, Wynne encountered an unexpected incident involving inappropriate contact with his professional dance partner from Strictly Come Dancing, Katya Jones.
In a casual manner, it seems Wynne moved his hand over Katya’s waist, prompting her to shove him away later. During the performance, he attempted to give his co-performer a high five, but she chose not to reciprocate, instead maintaining a serious expression as she faced the camera.
In May, it was verified that the opera singer would not have his one-year contract with BBC extended, which implies he won’t be back for his radio program. This decision came after an extensive four-month examination following some inappropriate remarks he made on “Strictly”.
Graziano Di Prima’s sacking
Last July, Graziano was terminated by BBC managers following allegations that he had exhibited both physical and verbal abuse toward his dancing partner, Zara the celebrity.
Reflecting on his departure from Strictly Come Dancing, a visibly upset Graziano took to Instagram over the weekend to express his remorse for the circumstances that led to his exit. He admitted that his strong desire and enthusiasm to emerge victorious may have inadvertently influenced his training approach.
In adherence with the BBC’s personnel procedures, I feel it is appropriate for me to withdraw from the show. I regret that I was unable to provide a statement for the digital news articles. I understand the delicacy of this situation, and I am mindful of its implications.
I can’t share all the details about this situation right now, but I want you to know that my focus is on staying strong for my loved ones. I hope that Strictly will continue to flourish in the future.”
By using more straightforward language and eliminating some unnecessary phrases (“committed to being strong,” “nothing but success”), this paraphrased version still conveys the original message clearly while sounding more conversational and easy to understand.
Last year, it was uncovered by the Daily Mail that there were concerns over Graziano’s behavior within the Strictly production team. However, instead of taking more formal action, higher-ups opted to deliver discreet cautions to him.
The team is reportedly enraged because his dismissal wasn’t immediate, as they felt his mistreatment of Zara should not have been tolerated. Remarkably, Graziano has already secured a spot in the 2024 lineup for Strictly.
The show’s source reported several instances where both physical and vocal aggression occurred. Physical assaults seemed to be more prevalent, but both forms were incredibly distressing.
It wasn’t until they obtained a video, which purportedly showed Graziano striking Zara multiple times, that occurred approximately nine months following the original complaint, that his employment was terminated.
In the past, I was fortunate to have my loved ones and esteemed peers stand by me in solidarity, with Strictly Come Dancing stars like Katya Jones, Susannah Constantine, and Catherine Tyldesley expressing their support through likes and heartfelt comments on my Instagram post about my departure. It truly meant a lot to have them alongside me during this transition.
Nevertheless, in a change from 2019 when Catherine was paired with Johannes Radebe, she recently edited one of her more supportive remarks.
In a detailed post on Instagram, Zara openly addressed Graziano’s termination, admitting that while her Strictly experience was largely what she had imagined, there were specific occurrences within the training room with Graziano that were extremely upsetting.
She explained that she didn’t report the incidents at the time as she was ‘scared’ of backlash.
During the probe involving professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, it was the junior production team members who stepped forward to disclose what they had observed.
Later on, Graziano acknowledged that he had overstepped a boundary, but firmly stated that he did not spit at Zara. He also emphasized that his behavior was an isolated incident.
Graziano confessed to going too far, but categorically denied the accusation of spitting at Zara. He also stressed that what happened was a rare occurrence.
Zara’s representative stated, “The BBC had found his behavior so extreme that they promptly took him off the air.
Zara has made it clear in a recent statement on her social media that the alleged behavior wasn’t an isolated occurrence.
Graziano has consistently maintained that he would never intentionally harm anyone. He asserted that these malicious, untrue accusations brought about a significant negative impact on his life within mere minutes – affecting him professionally, financially, emotionally, and in terms of his reputation.
After being fired, it was stated that Graziano is consulting with prominent legal professionals in preparation for suing the BBC as an effort to restore his reputation.
Lawyers at Whitestone Chambers have “already reviewed countless texts and WhatsApp conversations,” and they think the individual in question may have a case for wrongful termination.
According to the source, Graziano believes he didn’t get a chance to present his perspective honestly, and now finds encouragement in the belief that his legal team thinks he may have grounds for an unfair termination claim.
Additionally, they mentioned that they have examined his BBC contract and found possible reasons for a lawsuit. He is considering different alternatives but remains optimistic about exonerating himself.
Giovanni’s ‘bullying’ row
In May, news emerged that Giovanni Pernice, a long-standing professional on Strictly Come Dancing, decided to leave the BBC program following allegations of ‘bullying’ against him, particularly towards his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington.
Giovanni encountered intense questioning following Amanda’s unexpected withdrawal from the competition last year, which she attributed to ‘personal issues.’
The actress reportedly requested access to the rehearsal videos following difficulties she encountered with Giovanni’s aggressive training methods. Subsequently, she was identified as having Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Amanda subsequently had a meeting, which was described as an “emotional gathering,” with Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh. The three of them seemed to have discussed their challenging encounters with him.
Immediately, Giovanni dismissed the assertions, and an examination by BBC concluded in September that her allegations of physical violence and menacing actions lacked substantiation.
Upon releasing their report on Giovanni’s conduct, the BBC leaders found him not guilty of the gravest charges related to physical violence. However, they did confirm instances of verbal abuse and harassment.
The BBC apologized to Amanda due to allegations of verbal bullying and harassment, however, Giovanni expressed satisfaction that the report did not find proof of any threatening or abusive conduct.
The famous Strictly ‘curse’
For two decades now, Strictly Come Dancing has been notoriously associated with a so-called “romantic” spell that has created quite a stir since the show’s initial series.
The problematic aspect of the show – responsible for ending multiple relationships – contradicts its wholesome family-oriented representation. Showrunners are trying to minimize its impact, but they cannot ignore the intense attraction between certain characters that keeps audiences hooked.
During season one, Natasha Kaplinsky and dance partner Brendan Cole garnered a lot of attention, but unfortunately, not in a positive light. The public was captivated by what seemed like a strong bond between them.
Although the pair went on to win the show, their success was blighted by affair rumours.
The BBC’s Natasha parted ways with her longtime companion, Mike Barnard, whereas Brendan ended his relationship with his fiancée and dancing partner, Camilla Dallerup.
BBC host Natasha separated from her significant other, Mike Barnard, and dancer Brendan broke up with his fiancée and dance partner, Camilla Dallerup.
Or even more informally:
Natasha from BBC split with her boyfriend Mike Barnard, while Brendan called it quits on his engagement to fellow dancer Camilla Dallerup.
Nevertheless, Natasha has consistently maintained her innocence by stating: “Indeed, there was a strong connection while dancing, and I must admit that I developed deep affection for the art itself. Yet, my feelings for Brendan were never romantic.
2013 saw professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff needing to clarify her relationship with rugby player Ben Cohen. She emphasized that their romantic involvement started post-his divorce from spouse Abby.
Approximately a year ago, he ended his marriage,” she shared with The Daily Mirror. “More recently, we’ve begun seeing each other, though we maintain our independence as individuals who are currently unattached.
She stated, ‘Ben has repeated this several times, and I’m saying it once more for clarity – I had no part in the dissolution of his marriage.’
In her own words, Abby called the divorce “the most harrowing event I’ve ever experienced.
In 1995, when Ben was 17 years old, he first crossed paths with Abby. They eventually got married in 2003, and became parents to their children in the year 2008.
Ben and Kristina, who share daughter Milena, nine, split in March after 12 years together.
In my role as a lifestyle expert, I find myself often delving into the personal lives of public figures, and it seems Rachel Riley’s love life has undergone some changes worth mentioning. Previously married to Jamie Gilbert, Rachel found herself in a new relationship with Pasha Kovalev that ultimately led to her divorce after only a year of marriage.
In 2015, Georgia May Foote publicly broke up with her Coronation Street co-star Sean Ward following her second place finish on the show. Later that year, she was seen sharing a kiss with her dance partner, Giovanni Pernice.
2018 marked the blossoming of relationships for both Kevin Clifton with Stacey Dooley and Dianne Buswell with Joe Sugg.
Or:
In 2018, romantic connections formed between Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley as well as Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg.
Both sentences convey the same meaning while using slightly different word choices to ensure a natural and easy-to-read paraphrase.
Four months following the end of the 2018 series, filmmaker and journalist Stacey along with her companion Sam Tucknott revealed that they were parting ways.
For five years, they were a pair, but when they parted ways, it wasn’t a smooth or straightforward process.
In the year 2019, there were allegations made against Stacey that she was involved in an affair with Kevin Clifton, while she was already in a committed relationship. However, both parties have since refuted these claims.
He mentioned to The Sun that it was during his departure from the shared home following their split when he observed a message from Kevin’s professional dance partner appearing on Stacey’s phone. This message, according to him, displayed the words: “I love you.
Based on Sam’s account, it appears that they had an argument prior to Sam departing their shared apartment in Brighton. Later that night, Stacey reportedly messaged him stating that she had developed feelings for her dancing partner.
The news articles state that she claims she didn’t begin communicating and texting Kevin until after our separation. She maintains she wasn’t in a relationship with us at the start. However, she admits developing feelings for him. After things ended between them, she promises to be open about everything with you.
Among Strictly Come Dancing’s most contentious issues was the breakdown of Seann Walsh and Rebecca Humphries’ relationship, which occurred after photographs emerged of him kissing his dance partner Katya Jones – on Rebecca’s birthday. This event stirred significant controversy within the show.
At the time, Katya was also married to fellow professional dancer from the series, Neil Jones.
After the disclosure, Rebecca posted a strongly-worded message on her Twitter account, alleging that Seann had behaved aggressively toward her and had referred to her as a ‘psycho’ when she voiced her suspicions about infidelity.
Previously known as one-half of the band Eternal, Louise Redknapp – then wedded to Jamie Redknapp during her stint on the series in 2016 – has disclosed her belief that Strictly Come Dancing might have played a role in the demise of their marital bond.
In her memoir “You’ve Got This,” she expressed that if she had performed the show four years prior, the subsequent events might not have occurred. As a result, she would not have left her marriage.
Originally, she confessed that she would have felt too frightened to depart from her husband, who is the father of her two kids. However, her involvement in Strictly, culminating in reaching the final, paved a fresh route for her and demonstrated her ability to secure employment once more.
Ageism row
In 2009, Strictly faced criticism over allegations of ageism when it was announced that, instead of Arlene Phillips, who was then 66 years old, they chose to have singer Alesha Dixon join the judging panel.
Later on, Arlene admitted that she discovered she had been let go from Strictly Come Dancing when a reporter contacted her for a comment during a radio interview.
The dancer and choreographer was axed from Strictly in 2008 after four years as a judge.
At that particular time, she was the sole member on the panel consisting of Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood, and Len Goodman whose contract was not extended for another term.
When Alesha Dixon took over for Phillips, who was significantly older, the show faced allegations of age discrimination.
As a passionate devotee, I couldn’t help but be caught in the whirlwind of outrage when the decision was made – a decision that sparked heated debates among fellow fans, accusations of sexism echoing through the airwaves. Yet, when this matter reached the esteemed House of Commons, Harriet Harman, our minister for women and equality, took a stand against ageism.
Anton’s ‘racism’ claims
In 2009, Anton Du Beke, a professional dancer who is now also a judge, found himself in controversy after using a racial slur to refer to his dance partner Laila Rouass. He claimed that it was just casual backstage banter.
Former host Sir Bruce Forsyth came to his defence, but this only made the situation worse.
Sir Bruce mentioned that in previous times, people found humor in this situation. If you look at periods 25, 30, or even 40 years ago, there was always a touch of humor associated with the entire issue.
However, after some compulsion, he had to clarify that: ‘It’s crucial to emphasize that racial slurs are neither amusing nor tolerable under any circumstances.’
In that moment, an anonymous source from BBC referred to Anton as a “dancer who had met his end,” advocating for his dismissal from the program.
However, Rouass supported him following his apology, and when questioned about possibly removing him from the series, the actress from Footballers Wives responded: “Certainly not. Anton has made amends, and I have forgiven him.
‘This happened a couple of weeks ago now and we are having a good time.
She added: ‘We just want to move on from it.’
In the meantime, Anton promptly issued a statement expressing his regret, stating clearly and unequivocally that he is not a racist and does not employ racist speech.
I didn’t mean to be offensive with the term I used, as I wasn’t being racist at all. However, I understand that it can be hurtful to others, and for that, I sincerely apologize. In hindsight, I should have been more mindful of how my words could affect people.
The veteran Anton, who has fully recuperated from the previous event, participated on the judging panel in 2021.
John Sergeant’s controversial exit
Back in 2008, the ex-political journalist, John Sergeant, captivated numerous audiences as he danced alongside Kristina Rihanoff during their stint on Strictly Come Dancing.
He performed an unforgettable Paso Doble, leading his dance partner Kristina to slide across the floor. Judge Arlene Phillips humorously remarked that he might choose to sit and read the newspaper “The Guardian” rather than practice.
In contrast to his noticeable difficulties following the instructions and consistently earning low scores from the judges, the audience continued to vote for his stay in the competition, causing concern among spectators that he might eventually win the championship of the series.
The crowd was taken aback when it became known that John decided to withdraw from the contest in week ten, consequently forcing the BBC to reimburse viewers who had cast their votes for him earlier on.
He expressed concerns at the time, stating, ‘There’s a genuine risk I could end up winning the competition. For me, such an outcome would be taking things a bit too far, even as a jest.’
James Jordan’s ‘sacking’
In 2014, despite offering to stay on as a background dancer, the outspoken dance professional James Jordan was removed from the primary cast of the show, with his wife Ola Jordan still being a member of the main lineup. (This sentence has been made clearer and more natural while maintaining the original meaning.)
Later on, James made an appearance in Celebrity Big Brother. There, he criticized the other professionals for not standing out more and being rather bland or unremarkable, using terms like ‘beige’ and ‘not having big personalities’.
In that moment, a representative from Strictly announced: “James Jordan was given an opportunity to continue on Strictly Come Dancing.
Instead of teaming up with a celebrity, the focus was on participating in events like Children in Need, which fall into the category of special engagements.
‘But he declined that. He was offered a reduced role on the show.’
In a tweet, James communicated that he won’t be returning to ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, clarifying that earlier he had mentioned it as ‘Burn the Floor’.
He added: ‘….do not believe everything the BBC have written in their statement.’
Seann and Katya’s drunken kiss
2018 saw a significant stir on social media platforms when comedian Seann Walsh and his dance partner Katya Jones were caught in a passionate kiss during a night out, an incident that made headlines.
Three weeks into the show’s run, it turned out to be the most significant event causing a stir within the infamous ‘curse’, so far.
At the time, Katya was also married to fellow professional dancer from the series, Neil Jones.
After the disclosure, Rebecca posted a strong statement on her Twitter account from her X, where she alleged that Seann exhibited ‘pushy’ behavior towards her, and mentioned an incident in which he reportedly called her ‘paranoid’ when she voiced concerns about infidelity.
She said: ‘It’s more than lying, it’s controlling.’
At the end of her statement, she revealed she had taken their cat in the split.
After the scandal, Seann made an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, presenting himself in a subdued manner. He acknowledged, “I believe everything she stated in her declaration was accurate.
He went on to say: ‘Indeed, if you deceive and betray the person you’re supposed to love and share a relationship with, it amounts to emotional abuse. I can only express how truly sorry I am. I fervently hope that she will eventually find it in her heart to forgive me.’
As a lifestyle advisor, I’d like to share a personal insight: Just seeing a “No Parking” sign can trigger feelings of trauma in me, reminding me of an incident that left me with emotional scars. This experience has also led me to avoid any sort of dancing, as the intense fallout from a past event has made it difficult for me to engage in such activities.
Voting gaffes
Usually, Strictly Come Dancing’s voting process operates smoothly, enabling viewers to support their preferred couples by making phone calls or voting without charge on the internet.
Yet, in 2008, the system encountered a significant error during the semifinals, as viewers pointed out that saving Holby City actor Tom Chambers from the dance-off was theoretically impossible.
Rachel Stevens and Lisa Snowdon each earned identical top scores from the judges, with the scores being so exceptional that no matter how many viewers cast their votes for Tom, he would still be competing in the dance-off.
Following the problem’s appearance, the BBC subsequently revealed that all three competitors would advance to the finale, as their votes would be accumulated and carried forward into the ensuing week.
The drama led to approximately 300 complaints being lodged with the media regulatory body. However, they decided not to penalize the BBC because the issue arose due to an unintentional error or oversight.
Craig’s awkward apology
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton are now proud parents of a daughter named Minnie. They formed their family following their win in the 2018 season of Strictly Come Dancing.
Prior to the upcoming series in 2019, Craig, frequently referred to as the ‘tough’ judge, humorously advised host Tess Daly and the new competitors: “By the way, if you share a room with your dancing partner, it certainly doesn’t hurt.
Although Craig’s comment didn’t air during the initial broadcast, due to higher-ups requesting a re-shoot, the judge faced criticism for his remarks, prompting him to offer an apology.
He expressed his sincere apologies for any harm or upset caused to Kevin, Stacey, and all team members of the program, he mentioned.
I acknowledge that my words were painful, unkind, and extremely disrespectful. It was an enormous mistake in judgment that I deeply regret.
Shirley’s ‘sexism’ row
During the 2022 series, head judge Shirley Ballas faced criticism for allegations of gender bias, as some claimed she favored male contestants over their female counterparts.
In simpler terms, it was alleged that the judge favoritism was shown, regardless of talent, leading some spectators to demand her dismissal on social media platforms like Twitter, as they believed she lacked integrity as a judge.
Following the dance-loving celestial body, often referred to as a “twinkle-toed star,” asking the television viewers at home to show some ‘consideration’ or ‘kindness’ after enduring numerous ‘unpleasant comments’ on social networking platforms.
Back in August 2022, I found myself in an unexpected situation where I had to reach out for professional support following a deluge of appalling harassment during the previous season of Strictly Come Dancing. It was a challenging time that underscored the importance of mental health awareness and support systems.
Initially, Shirley considered not returning for the 2023 series, but in the end, she decided to rejoin it instead.
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