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Strictly Come Dancing bosses accused of leaving celebrities woefully unprepared for the impact BBC show will have on their lives as former contestant says ‘producers have only themselves to blame’

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Strictly Come Dancing bosses accused of leaving celebrities woefully unprepared for the impact BBC show will have on their lives as former contestant says 'producers have only themselves to blame'

As someone who has danced my way through the glitterball trophy’s glare four years ago, I can’t help but feel a sense of deja vu as yet another scandal unfurls on the set of Strictly Come Dancing. The BBC, it seems, has been leaving its celebrities woefully unprepared for the dramatic impact that signing up for this show can have on their lives.

A past participant of Strictly alleges that the managers at BBC underestimate how significantly participating in the show can impact celebrities’ lives, failing to adequately prepare them for these dramatic changes.

As a die-hard fan, I’ve found myself deeply troubled by the latest turn of events surrounding my beloved prime-time show. The family favorite, which I’ve adored for years, is currently engulfed in controversy. It seems that the way professional dancers instruct our cherished celebrities has become a matter of great debate. Multiple allegations are surfacing, claiming bullying and abusive behavior from some of the dance professionals, leaving me heartbroken and concerned.

Now, the performer who participated four years prior believes that the controversy was essentially unavoidable given the casual approach of the producers, who often disregarded the intense training requirements as just part of the entertainment industry’s norm.

As a confidant peeking behind the scenes, I can reveal that before celebrities join the spotlight, they are simply asked if they’re comfortable with their lives becoming public spectacles. It’s important to note that those pulling the strings must take responsibility for any ensuing scandals that arise from this arrangement.

As a passionate devotee, I can’t help but voice my concern as the BBC finds itself embroiled in more queries regarding why psychological assessments aren’t mandatory for potential contenders, following actress Amanda Abbington’s claims that professional dancer Giovanni Pernice subjected her to bullying during rehearsals. He vehemently refutes these accusations.

Strictly Come Dancing bosses accused of leaving celebrities woefully unprepared for the impact BBC show will have on their lives as former contestant says 'producers have only themselves to blame'

Strictly Come Dancing bosses accused of leaving celebrities woefully unprepared for the impact BBC show will have on their lives as former contestant says 'producers have only themselves to blame'

The ex-contestant remarked, “This decline has been a gradual process over many years.” Accompanying her was a professional dance partner of the feminine persuasion.

The producers are the ones who should take responsibility for this issue. It’s not a new problem; it recurs annually during Strictly.

As soon as you enter, they warn you, “Be prepared, expect significant disruptions in your personal life. You’ll find yourself under the scrutiny and gaze of many.”

Then they ask you, “Are you comfortable with that?” That’s essentially their approach, and here’s the deal: If you respond “no,” they won’t include you in the performance. You’ve accepted the payment, and they’ve told you, this is showbiz – if it doesn’t suit you, seek employment elsewhere, like selling flowers. There’s no such thing as a dance without cost.

Strictly Come Dancing bosses accused of leaving celebrities woefully unprepared for the impact BBC show will have on their lives as former contestant says 'producers have only themselves to blame'
Strictly Come Dancing bosses accused of leaving celebrities woefully unprepared for the impact BBC show will have on their lives as former contestant says 'producers have only themselves to blame'

He added: ‘These are accidents waiting to happen. You’ve got [professional dancers] who have been put through the mill to get where they are.

‘It’s not easy to make it as a professional. I’m not surprised we are where we are today.’

The claims appeared to echo those made last week by Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood, who revealed as a young dancer his teacher would ‘whack us with a cane’ as punishment for mistakes.

The previous competitor additionally remarked that there appeared to be significant cultural concerns, specifically noting that Latin male dancers often received a higher number of criticisms or complaints.

Last night, the BBC shared that they are open to hearing from people when they wish to bring something to their attention, and they have established systems for handling such situations effectively.

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2024-08-04 00:33

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