Strictly Faces a BBC Investigation

Behind the Ballroom: BBC Launches Probe Into Strictly's Culture

The British Broadcasting Corporation has started a formal inquiry into its flagship entertainment programme, Strictly Come Dancing. The investigation follows serious allegations of substance use involving two of the show's stars. This move signals a period of intense scrutiny for the long-running series, which has recently been troubled by numerous controversies. The corporation is now under immense pressure to address the claims and demonstrate the effectiveness of its duty of care protocols.

To manage the investigation, an external law firm, identified in reports as Pinsent Masons, has been enlisted by the broadcaster. This is a course of action the BBC sometimes takes to ensure objectivity and thoroughness in sensitive internal matters. The law firm will conduct the probe and report its findings back to a dedicated internal team at the corporation. A statement from the broadcaster indicated it has established procedures for handling such significant grievances.

Allegations Emerge Through Legal Channels

The catalyst for this latest crisis was a legal filing submitted to the corporation in March. This submission came from the law firm Russells, which was representing the Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans, who had previously been a celebrity participant on the programme. Reports originating from The Sun on Sunday asserted that the supposed consumption of cocaine by two unnamed individuals was a frequent topic of conversation among the show’s personnel. The newspaper also suggested that other people connected to the production had independently raised similar concerns.

The BBC has officially acknowledged the situation with a carefully worded statement. A spokesperson confirmed the broadcaster maintains clear protocols to address any significant complaints it receives. They further encouraged anyone with concerns to come forward. However, the representative declined to offer more specific details, stating that offering additional comments on an active investigation would be unsuitable. This standard response underscores the sensitive nature of the allegations and the formal process now underway.

Image Credit - Radio Times

A Difficult Year for the Dance Show

This investigation arrives after a particularly turbulent year for the popular dance competition. The show has been navigating a series of unrelated scandals that have raised questions about the working environment and the welfare of its participants. A television staple since 2004, the programme now finds its reputation under threat. These compounding issues have placed the conduct of its professional dancers and its celebrity participants firmly in the public spotlight, prompting calls for greater accountability and transparency.

The Giovanni Pernice Controversy

Among the most high-profile issues was the departure of professional dancer Giovanni Pernice. He did not return for the 2024 series following complaints from his 2023 celebrity partner, the actor Amanda Abbington. Abbington withdrew from the competition midway through the series, citing personal reasons at the time. She later described her time on the programme as working in a "toxic environment," leading to a formal complaint and a subsequent diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Abbington's allegations against Pernice included claims of "inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying." In response, the BBC launched its own internal review. The inquiry concluded in September 2024, and while it found no evidence to support claims of physical aggression, it did uphold complaints related to swearing and the use of negative feedback. The corporation issued an apology to Abbington following the review's conclusion. The incident cast a long shadow over the celebrated dance competition.

Pernice's Denial and Departure

Pernice has consistently and strongly denied any wrongdoing. In public statements, he has rejected any suggestion that he engaged in abusive or threatening behaviour during his tenure with the programme. He expressed his intention to clear his name and fully cooperated with the BBC's internal investigation. Following the controversy and his departure from the UK show, Pernice joined Ballando con le Stelle, the Italian equivalent of the popular dance programme, which he went on to win.

Another Dancer's Departure

The show faced another significant setback with the exit of professional dancer Graziano Di Prima in July 2024. His departure also followed a review of his behaviour. The allegations centred on his conduct towards his celebrity partner from the 2023 series, television personality Zara McDermott. The situation reportedly involved multiple incidents that raised serious concerns among production staff. The timing of his exit, so soon after the Pernice controversy, amplified concerns about the show's culture.

Reports surrounding the departure of Di Prima mentioned the existence of video footage from rehearsals that some who viewed it found incredibly distressing. McDermott later released a statement confirming she had a difficult time during the competition. She spoke of her "incredibly distressing" experience and her fear of a "public backlash" and potential "victim shaming," which made it hard to speak out. Although she did not lodge the complaint that led to the investigation, her testimony highlighted the pressures faced by participants.

Di Prima Addresses His Exit

In a public statement, Graziano Di Prima confirmed he was stepping away from the programme. He expressed deep regret for the events that led to his exit. He suggested that his "intense passion and determination to win" might have negatively influenced his training methods. While respecting the BBC's HR process, he hinted at other factors, stating there were aspects of the story involving "external influences" that he could not discuss at the time.

Unrest Beyond the Dance Floor

The turmoil was not confined to the show's roster of professionals. Wynne Evans, the celebrity whose legal team submitted the drug allegations, had his own public controversy. In January, the singer made a remark at the launch event for the Strictly arena tour that he later described as unfitting and intolerable. The comment, reportedly a crude joke directed at host Janette Manrara, led to a public apology from Evans. The incident added another layer to the narrative of a programme struggling with behavioural standards.

Following the tour incident, Evans took a hiatus from his presenting duties at BBC Radio Wales. In May, the broadcaster confirmed his contract would not be renewed, and a return to the daytime programme was not planned. Later, Evans released a powerful statement accusing the BBC of having a "fundamentally flawed" approach to duty of care. He claimed the corporation cared more about protecting its brand and ratings than the wellbeing of people, alleging his own voice was "taken away" during the handling of his case.

Further Incidents and Suspensions

The list of issues continued to grow. In June, the BBC suspended the EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, who was a contestant in the previous series. His suspension came following a report in The Sun detailing his use of a derogatory term for individuals with disabilities. The incident reportedly occurred in a backstage area during November rehearsals for Strictly. Borthwick subsequently issued an apology for his language, which the BBC described as "entirely unacceptable."

The BBC's New Welfare Charter

In response to the escalating controversies, the broadcaster unveiled a raft of fresh welfare guidelines for its flagship dance show in July 2024. These enhanced protocols are designed to strengthen support for everyone involved in the production and to address the specific concerns that have arisen around training and rehearsals. The changes represent a significant overhaul of the show's duty of care framework, signalling the corporation's intent to create a safer environment for all participants.

A key change is the introduction of chaperones, who will now be present in the rehearsal rooms at all times. This measure is a direct response to the allegations concerning conduct during training sessions. Furthermore, the broadcaster has also appointed two new, dedicated welfare producers to the team. Their role will be to provide an additional layer of support for both the show's professionals and the celebrity contestants throughout the demanding production schedule.

Comprehensive Training and Support

The new protocols also include the provision of expanded training for all personnel involved in the production. This applies not just to the professional dancing talent but also to the broader production staff and crew members. The training aims to reinforce standards of behaviour and ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities regarding welfare. These steps are part of a broader commitment from BBC Studios, which previously introduced a pledge to empower senior leaders to take responsibility for behaviour on their sets.

 Image Credit - Manchester Evening News

A Cloud Over Reality Television

The problems at Strictly are part of a wider, industry-wide conversation about the duty of care owed to participants in reality television. For years, broadcasters have faced growing scrutiny over the psychological impact of these high-pressure shows on their stars. Tragic events, including the deaths of former contestants from shows like ITV's Love Island and The Jeremy Kyle Show, have brought the issue to the forefront of public and regulatory attention.

These incidents prompted a parliamentary inquiry and a comprehensive review by the UK's media regulator, Ofcom. In response, Ofcom introduced strengthened rules in April 2021. These new regulations explicitly require broadcasters to take due care over the welfare of individuals who might be at risk of significant harm from their participation. This includes protecting the mental and emotional wellbeing of people who are not used to being in the public eye.

Regulatory Scrutiny and the Path Forward

The Ofcom framework places a clear responsibility on broadcasters to assess risks before, during, and after production. Broadcasters must consider the potential for high levels of social media interest, conflict, or the disclosure of private information, and ensure adequate support systems are in place. As ITV acknowledged in its evidence to Parliament, this duty of care is a fundamental responsibility, and no one feels it more keenly than the programme-makers themselves.

As the investigation into the latest allegations unfolds, both the broadcaster and its flagship dance show are at a critical juncture. The series of scandals has tarnished the glitterball trophy, once a symbol of family-friendly entertainment. The corporation's ability to handle the current probe with transparency and rigour, while effectively implementing its new welfare protocols, will be crucial in determining the future of one of its most valuable assets and in restoring the trust of its audience.