Strictly judge says “it’s a good thing” BBC has introduced new rule after complaints

by

As a long-time follower and admirer of Strictly Come Dancing, I have to say I am both shocked and saddened by the recent allegations surrounding the show’s work culture and the behavior of some of its cast members. Being a dance enthusiast myself, I know that the world of professional dance can be tough and demanding, but it should never cross the line into abuse or mistreatment.

During an interview on BBC Breakfast today (August 1st), Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood voiced his opinions regarding the show’s recently established chaperone policy, which was introduced amidst claims concerning the past treatment of participants.

On the BBC program today, Horwood expressed his astonishment about the entire situation regarding the ongoing inquiry into the dance competition series, saying, “I’m utterly shocked by it all.”

He explained further: “Indeed, I discovered it through the media since the judges never interact directly with the contestants.”

“Our paths cross only while heading to the studio, which means you seldom catch a glimpse of our rehearsals. These events are typically off-limits for us in our professional roles.”

Looking back at his past dance rehearsals, Horwood shared: “I’ve been through that training, and it was challenging. My ballet instructor was Russian, and she carried a cane, which she would use to correct us. For example, if we were doing a déboulés, she ensured we were engaging our hamstrings by not lifting from the thigh.”

“Of course, such teaching methods aren’t used nowadays. We’ve advanced significantly over the past four decades since my training period.”

“Thoroughly astonished,” or simply “flabbergasted,” Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood spoke to #BBCBreakfast following several celebrities’ complaints about their dance partners’ treatment during rehearsals for the BBC program.

— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) August 1, 2024

In response to concerns over the conduct of dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima during rehearsals, the BBC has decided to station a production team member in all future rehearsal sessions.

As well as that, there will be two new dedicated welfare producers as part of added extra measures.

Regarding the latest guidelines, Horwood expressed: “Each individual responds uniquely to training, and they internalize what they’ve learned during the session. I believe it’s beneficial that they are incorporating individuals into the rehearsal spaces; they serve as facilitators.”

“At the theater, there are always chaperones present, particularly when it comes to kids and young adults. Having an additional set of eyes monitoring the environment is beneficial.”

For the first time, I, a member of the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel, have chosen to voice my thoughts on recent events following public statements by Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott regarding their experiences during their time on the show.

For the forthcoming new season, you won’t see Pernice and Di Prima anymore. The series has been facing issues regarding its “harmful workplace environment” as per recent accusations.

In my tenure working on the show, I, along with several other former colleagues, have shared accounts with The Observer about instances of sexist and sexualized remarks that were disturbingly common. Additionally, I personally know a fellow team member who has reported observing exceptionally talented coworkers being treated unjustly and unfairly.

In my experience, working on this live TV show feels invigorating and has drawn in numerous professionals from the industry. I personally haven’t encountered any issues with the workplace culture, nor have I witnessed problems in our whistleblower process. Therefore, I find it hard to acknowledge the claims of a negative work environment or faults in our reporting system.

Actress Martha Abbotion, who plays Sherlock, recently implied that approximately 50 hours of footage related to her allegations against Pernice may be hidden or withheld from the show.

Pernice has repeatedly asserted that accusations of him displaying “abusive or intimidating conduct” towards his past dance partners are entirely false.

Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year.

Read More

2024-08-01 15:34