Steve Backshall complained to the BBC about his Strictly pro Ola Jordan back in 2014 claiming she ‘bullied’ him – amid fears the show is ‘fatally tarnished’
As a seasoned journalist with years of experience under my belt, I have covered various stories and scandals in the entertainment industry. However, none have been as intriguing and complex as the ongoing saga surrounding Amanda Holden and her allegations against the hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.
In 2014, Steve Backshall expressed concern to the BBC about his dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing, Ola Jordan, alleging that she had behaved intimidatingly towards him.
At the age of 51, the explorer and presenter filed a complaint with the television network following difficult rehearsals.
The allegations of bullying resurface as the show faces multiple crises, including abuse scandals and an ongoing investigation into misconduct. According to sources, the program’s reputation has been severely damaged.
I can’t help but feel devastated as I, an ardent fan of Pro Graziano Di Prima, learn about his shocking dismissal from the upcoming series due to allegations against him. Reports suggest that during last year’s competition, Pro, a 30-year-old contestant, used abusive language and even resorted to physical violence towards his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, who is only 27 years old. These actions are unacceptable and go against the values of respect and sportsmanship that I, as a fan, hold dear.
After Giovanni Pernice, aged 33, was temporarily removed from the program last month due to allegations of inappropriate conduct off set, which he has refused to acknowledge, Amanda Abbinson, 50, and two other previous celebrity co-stars made the claims.
And as far back as 2014 there were claims of bullying when Steve appeared on the show.
After making a complaint, they were given a companion to accompany them both, as he didn’t want to be in close proximity to the 41-year-old Polish dancer anymore.
I found myself in a difficult situation when I accused her of damaging my self-assurance with her brusque and impatienc behavior. The programme’s authorities had to intervene.
A confidant of the show shared back then: “Steve is quite lively with a zest for new experiences. However, Ola’s stern behavior took a toll on him, leaving him demotivated.”
Based on my experience as a dance instructor, I understand that learning new shapes and steps for a dance routine can be challenging at times. It requires patience, practice, and dedication to master a dance like the Charleston. However, encountering rudeness and impatience from someone during this process can be discouraging and hinder progress. It’s important to remember that everyone learns at their own pace, and creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment is essential for growth and enjoyment of the dance experience.
“The rigor of her choreography and instruction left Steve perplexed, prompting him to seek help from others in understanding his tasks.”
“The insider shared that Ola comes across as aloof and chilly towards Steve, and she tends to keep her distance from his circle of loved ones.”
I’m sure you’re aware that Steve voiced his concerns directly to one of the Strictly producers following our Halloween-themed Charleston dance.
During the meeting, the bosses decided that both Ola and Steve should have constant companionship from now on as they continue in the competition.
At the time Steve told how he struggled with the physical demands of the series.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, he shared that an accident during climbing in 2008 left his left ankle fused and prevented him from flexing his toes.
The action star, who had been bitten by a caiman before, a reptilian creature akin to a crocodile, disclosed that he endured “unrelenting agony” during training and relied on painkillers daily. He further expressed, “It has left me completely shattered.”
Dancing for hours on end over rigid wooden floors in inflexible dance shoes takes a heavy toll on me. Each step echoes through my frame, leaving my body feeling worn-out and brittle.
He expressed his disappointment as well, mentioning that the frequent training interfered with his social life: “Despite holding such a prominent role, I regret not being able to spend time with my closest friends or go on a date due to the heavy training schedule.”
I’ve had a tough time with that. My dance partner is blissfully married and clearly not available for anything beyond our dancing partnership.
‘And outside of that, not a chance. I have had zero social life.’
A source close to the production shared back then: “Ola is quite demanding. She recognizes Steve’s hidden talents and believes he has what it takes to succeed in the contest.”
“Alongside Chris Hollins, she triumphantly claimed the trophy. They both hope to secure another victory, and with the support of mothers and children, Steve is a strong candidate for the win.”
A representative for Ola has been contacted by TopMob for comment.
Last week, James, Ola’s husband and a former co-contestant on the show, strongly reacted after old recordings surfaced in which he threatened to drag Georgina across the floor and shout at her if she forgot her dance steps.
The ballroom dancer and choreographer, aged 46, criticized the BBC strongly after old clips resurfaced following the scandals involving Giovanni and Graziano. She stated that the majority of the content did not concern Georgina in any way.
In the fourth series, which aired in 2006, there is a clip of him practicing scenes with actress Georgina on camera.
He similarly tells her, “I want you to hurt yourself,” as he orders her to balance on only one leg and grows unconcerned if she’s not injured seriously enough to have cracked a rib. His disregard for her suffering is further illustrated by his action of flinging a chair across the fitness center.
He’s countered the viral video on Instagram by posting a fiery message, claiming it was manipulated for amusement and heavily enhanced.
He maintained that the serious accusations couldn’t be equated with the VT (video clips) he used on the show for eight years, adding that none of his famous co-stars had voiced any complaints against him during this period.
James wrote in the caption for his post, as he shared a picture of him dancing with Georgina: “A reminder for those who’ve seen the old BBC clip of us training eighteen years ago – yes, that’s me with a full head of hair!”
Based on my personal experience working in the television industry for over two decades, I can assure you that the footage shown on “It Takes Two” 18 years ago was meticulously shot and skillfully edited by the BBC team with the sole intention of providing entertainment for viewers.
Several clips featured in the compilation didn’t concern Georgina at all (this practice is now discouraged due to its potential for distortion). Instead, they were added to amplify the overall effect.
The BBC created this video montage in a light-hearted manner, as evidenced by Georgina’s amused reactions both in the studio and in the clips. Throughout my eight-year tenure on the program, not a single complaint regarding dance partners was reported to me.
If I had genuinely hurt anyone’s feelings, the BBC wouldn’t have used that footage against me. The producers enjoyed portraying me as the villain, but I went along with it, striving for perfection as usual. However, I assure you, I never intentionally upset anyone and value my relationships with my celebrity dance partners.
It would be best if people avoided connecting the revised BBC VT with the ongoing rumors of mistreatment among Strictly’s backstage team.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d like to clarify my stance on the recent comparison being made between serious allegations and highly produced videos from the BBC archives circulating on social media. In my opinion, there’s no equivalence between the two. I strongly condemn any form of bullying or abusiveness in a professional setting. It’s essential to distinguish fact from fiction and maintain integrity in our discussions.
As an obsessed fan of Jordan, I can’t help but share this intriguing detail from his past. Back in 2012, after gracing our screens with his presence on Strictly for an impressive eight series, Jordan took it upon himself to assume a unique role in the life of Ms. Bouzova. Formerly a star on BBC’s Casualty, she found herself under Jordan’s watchful eye and strict dietary guidelines when they went shopping together. He boldly prohibited her from indulging in sweets and chocolates, instead insisting that she stick to purchasing only pineapple and ham during their supermarket visits. What an intriguing dynamic!
A few days following Graziano’s dismissal due to accusations of violence against his partner Zara, a video surfaced and was featured on It Takes Two, the Strictly Come Dancing spin-off. Claudia Winkleman, who hosted the show at the time, introduced this clip to the audience.
About halfway into the video, the host came back on screen and jokingly referred to Jordan, husband of ex-Strictly dancer Ola Jordan, as an “extraordinary individual.”
In the viral TikTok video, Jordan asserts his strength to Ms. Bouzova before requesting that she shift her foot.)
He justifies his harsh treatment by stating: “If she’s not literally shattered a rib or bleeding from her feet, I don’t make an exception. If her legs ache, she should still perform.”
Ms. Bouzova seemed taken aback by Jordan’s outbursts at the age of 46 and inquired, “What’s your next move?”
He replies: ‘I drag you across the floor and then scream at you when get up..’
In the video, Jordan later on commented to Ms. Bouzova that she would benefit from shedding some pounds. She shared with the audience her thoughts, “He basically thinks I’m overweight.” To which Jordan responded, “I told you no more chocolate, no more chips. Every time I run into you, you’re munching on chocolate.”
After that, she inquired if she appeared overweight to him. He responded with a negative. However, when she questioned, “Could I stand to shed some pounds, maybe?” his answer was affirmative.
On last Monday, Jordan expressed his concern on X about another professional dancer not joining Strictly Come Dancing once more, alleging alleged abusive behavior. What’s the deal here?
Amanda is about to find out the outcome of the investigation initiated against her partner Giovanni following her complaint of bullying during their Strictly dance practice sessions.
Despite the result, reports indicate that bosses are allegedly very angry with the actress for reportedly urging ex-contestants to consult her lawyers concerning their experiences on the show.
Lately, I’ve become fixated on the idea that my beloved Strictly star might have reached out to past competitors, urging them to contact Carter-Ruck – a distinguished law firm situated in London. The rumor goes that she’s been seeking out individuals with claims of an unhealthy atmosphere within the show.
As an obsessed fan, I can’t help but feel like Amanda is leaving a lingering shadow of darkness over Strictly Come Dancing, going to great lengths to ensure her impact is felt long after she’s gone.
“She appears to strongly dislike the show. She’s voiced her displeasure openly, but why dampen others’ enjoyment?”
Her accusation against Giovanni hasn’t produced clear evidence yet. Now, she’s encouraging others to speak up, leading to ongoing media coverage and continued controversy.
Amanda is reportedly reached out to Laila Rouass in the past, advising her to consult with legal professionals following an incident in 2009. Her partner Anton Du Beke, now a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, made a derogatory comment about Amanda’s appearance after she had undergone a spray tan, using an offensive term.
The staff strongly object and argue that less severe actions, similar to what Graziano did to Zara, could water down legitimate grievances if they are not addressed properly.
One person asked: “In what way does Amanda’s creation of minor disputes or rehashing events from 15 years ago contribute to addressing the genuine concerns of bullying?”
Currently, The Mail has reported that individuals privy to the ongoing investigation regarding Mr. Pernice’s alleged misconduct express doubt about the likelihood of these accusations being substantiated.
The investigation into allegations against the professional dancer, who has vehemently refuted any wrongdoing towards Ms. Abbington, is nearing its end, allowing for his clearance approximately three months after it started.
As a judgment on Mr. Pernice’s conduct is imminently expected, Ms. Abbington broke with convention by discussing the matter with The Sun on Sunday.
Detractors argue that she gave the interview with the intention of harming the Italian dancer further, as it’s generally believed that he will be exonerated for any alleged bullying against her.
I, Ms. Abbington, have spoken out about my experience with PTSD following my participation in the show earlier this year. I want to share that during my time on the show, I unfortunately encountered Mr. Pernice who exhibited abusive, cruel, and mean behaviors towards me. Unfortunately, due to the traumatic nature of these experiences, I haven’t been able to recount specific instances in detail.
She explained that she spoke up and filed a complaint since she couldn’t stand idly by and allow him to harm others, acknowledging the potential consequences against her.
I couldn’t in good conscience let future participants go through what I experienced on that show.
In response to her interview with the Mail, Mr. Pernice’s representative stated that the BBC had passed along accusations from the investigation to him, and he had willingly complied. The claims published in the Sun on Sunday were not present in any form within those shared allegations.
“Giovanni disagrees with the claims against him and insists he hasn’t engaged in abusive or threatening actions. He’s presented solid proof to support this during the investigation, and he’s optimistic about being exonerated.”
According to one report, Amanda seems deeply disappointed with the situation and is taking proactive measures in case the decision doesn’t turn out in her favor.
As an assistant to the production team, I’m eagerly anticipating the continuation of the drama this week. Starting today, the skilled dancers will be gearing up for the upcoming series by commencing their training sessions.
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