Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood has his say on show’s future after “shock” claims

Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood has his say on show’s future after “shock” claims

As a long-time moviegoer and dance enthusiast, I was taken aback by the recent allegations surrounding the beloved BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing. Having grown up watching this show and seeing it bring joy to countless families, I couldn’t believe the disturbing reports of alleged abusive behavior from professional dancers towards their former partners.


Craig Revel Horwood expressed surprise upon learning about the recent allegations concerning Strictly Come Dancing, yet he believes the program’s continuity is unlikely to be affected.

Previously this year, Giovanni Pernice refuted accusations of abusive or intimidating conduct towards past dancing partners in response to media speculation about a BBC probe. More recently, Graziano Di Prima expressed remorse over the incidents that caused him to leave the current season, acknowledging that his strong desire to succeed and intense training regimen might have played a role.

Currently, Judge Horwood, who has served for a long time, has disclosed that he hadn’t received any reports regarding misconduct by professional dancers. He first learned about the accusations from news sources.

“It’s a shock and news to me,” he told BBC Radio Wales’s Lucy Owen.

“The judges are never present at any of the teaching and we literally come in on a Saturday and just judge what we see before us.

I work in a part of the organization that is completely isolated from the rest. Each day, as I read the latest news, I find myself questioning, “Could this information really be accurate for us?”

Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood has his say on show’s future after “shock” claims

When asked about his concerns for the future of the cherished BBC ballroom show, he replied: “I’m not overly concerned, as this program holds a special place in the hearts of people who enjoy dancing at home. It’s heartwarming to witness someone start from humble beginnings and put in effort to transform into an exceptional dancer.”

I take great pride in being part of this stunning production, and I’m deeply fond of it. Consequently, I’d prefer to avoid any risks that could negatively impact it.

As a devoted cinema goer, I’ve kept up with the latest developments surrounding this popular show. Lately, it has been under scrutiny due to some serious accusations. In an interview with The Mail on Sunday, Amanda Abbington, a renowned actress and former contestant on Strictly, spoke out about her experiences. She described Giovanni as being unkind and shared that he had treated some of us unfairly.

In an interview with The Sun on Sunday over the weekend, she shared: “I struggled with the decision to file a complaint due to the potential backlash. However, I couldn’t bear the thought of future individuals experiencing the same issues if I didn’t speak up.”

In response to the accusations, Pernice’s representative stated that Giovanni denies engaging in any abusive or threatening conduct.

“He’s given significant proof for the probe and is certain that his name will be cleared.”

During an interview, documentary maker Zara McDermott shared experiences from her time in the Strictly Come Dancing training room that left her feeling upset.

She shared: “I’ve had deep apprehensions about revealing myself – I was anxious about potential criticism from the public, uncertain about my prospects, and worried about being blamed as a victim. However, through heartfelt discussions with those closest to me, I’ve mustered the courage to confront these anxieties. When the BBC requested that I speak openly about my experience on their show, I did so honestly.”

Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood has his say on show’s future after “shock” claims

In her social media post, Di Prima expressed her determination to stay strong for her loved ones amidst certain parts of the story that she’s unable to disclose publicly yet.

As someone who has been a part of the Strictly family and worked closely with the BBC for a significant period, I can honestly say that I hold the utmost respect and admiration for their continued success. May they continue to thrive in all their endeavors. I am grateful for every opportunity that has come my way through this experience, both professionally and personally. The support I have received from countless individuals throughout my journey has been invaluable. When the time is right, I will share my story – the ups and downs, the challenges and triumphs – with the world, as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the boundless possibilities that life presents us all.

In response to allegations, the BBC has stated: “Any individual implicated in a grievance retains the right to privacy and a fair investigation. Should an issue arise at the BBC, we carefully examine the facts, determine responsibility (if any), and subsequently decide on appropriate actions.”

In other words, the BBC has obligations towards everyone involved in a complaint – not just the person filing it, but also the person or party being accused.

“Although our shows have brought joy to numerous participants, we will thoughtfully consider any concerns raised, ensuring a considerate resolution for all involved parties.”

Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year.

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2024-07-21 15:34