BBC issues statement after Will Bayley criticises treatment on Strictly

BBC issues statement after Will Bayley criticises treatment on Strictly

As a long-time fan of Strictly Come Dancing, I’ve always admired the way the show brings people together through the joy of dance. However, the recent allegations made by former contestant Will Bayley have left me feeling disheartened and concerned.


After being criticized by ex-compete and Paralympian Will Bayley for his treatment during the 2019 season of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC has released a response.

Bayley, partnered with Janette Manrara on the show, experienced a knee injury during rehearsals. In an interview with The Sun, he stated that people had assured him that jumping from a tall table would be safe, despite his concerns and those of his coach, who both knew he couldn’t perform jumps.

After being injured, a paramedic appeared on set and took him to a hotel room for applying ice.

Bayley expressed her distress: “I spent the entire night in torment, repeatedly phoning my mother. It’s a mystery to me why I wasn’t admitted to the hospital instead. The next day, I visited the physiotherapy room and they bandaged my knee. It seemed that Strictly preferred not to let me seek medical attention at that moment.”

He expressed that he would never fully recover from that injury, while also mentioning that being on the show made him feel fortunate yet insignificant compared to other famous personalities.

Regarding Manrara and their relationship, he commented: “In the end, I believe the pressures from the bosses for her to behave in a particular manner led to the mishap. It was their demands that put pressure on me.”

As a devoted admirer of hers, I can’t help but acknowledge her fervor as an educator. We mutually decided on taking that leap, and while I wish she had offered more protection, I can’t bring myself to harbor any resentment towards her.

BBC issues statement after Will Bayley criticises treatment on Strictly

Furthermore, Manrara’s representative shared: “Janette enjoyed immensely partnering with Will during their contemporary dance routine in the competition. It was one of her most cherished experiences on the program.”

Throughout her stint on Strictly, ensuring the well-being and pleasure of her famous companion was Janette’s top concern. No grievances were ever lodged against her, and she continues to foster amicable relationships with all her past dance partners, including Will.

After tabloids reported an investigation by the BBC into allegations of abusive or threatening behavior against him, Strictly professional dancer Giovanni Pernice has responded with denials. Bayley’s comments came afterwards.

Graziano Di Prima, another expert on the program, expressed regret over incidents causing his exit from the new season. He acknowledged that his strong drive to succeed might have influenced his training methods.

One judge on the hit show, Craig Revel Horwood, expressed surprise over the recent accusations, mentioning, “These developments come as a surprise to me. The show is a source of great pride and joy for me. I’m deeply invested in it, so I hope nothing negatively impacts it.”

Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year.

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2024-07-22 18:05