Tim Davie has spoken out on the tumultuous aftermath surrounding the beloved U.K. dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing, after two renowned professionals stepped down in the wake of "egregious misconduct" accusations. The BBC's director general has issued an apology for the alleged 'gross misconduct' committed by two former dancers on the show.
This beloved reality dance series, which mirrors the U.S.'s Dancing With the Stars, holds a prominent place in British television culture. However, following complaints about two dancers, the broadcaster unveiled stringent new welfare measures last week.
The fan-favorites, Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, will not be returning for this year's edition, as the channel vowed to implement two dedicated welfare producers, among other stringent measures, to ensure a safe and respectful environment.
This new initiative stems from an emotional Instagram post by Zara McDermott, a reality star who was paired with Di Prima in last year's series. She described watching her show footage as "excruciatingly distressing." Similarly, Amanda Abbington from Sherlock accused Pernice of "abusive, cruel, and malicious" behavior during her Strictly stint.
Di Prima expressed remorse, stating he "deeply regrets" his actions, attributing it to his "intense passion and determination to win." Pernice, on the other hand, refuted the allegations, vowing to return.
As the BBC released its annual report on Tuesday, Tim Davie seized the moment to address the controversy. "I'm profoundly sorry that anyone had a less-than-stellar experience on Strictly. We reflect on this deeply, and I apologize sincerely," he said, expressing disappointment upon hearing the accusations.
"If anyone feels aggrieved or wishes to share their experience, we encourage them to do so. Rest assured, we'll take it seriously, listen attentively, and address it appropriately. So, I hope everyone who wishes to speak to us feels comfortable doing so," he continued. "It's paramount that we have robust protocols and structures in place for the show. We continuously review these and confirmed changes last week. Ensuring these are suitable for everyone is essential."
Without mentioning any specific individuals, Davie acknowledged the "intense competitiveness, hard work, and desire to excel" that accompanies the entertainment aspect of Strictly. "This is part of the show's charm," he said. "But there are boundaries, and these should never be transgressed. Unacceptable behavior, in any form, will never be tolerated."
McDermott, who gained fame on ITV2's Love Island and later E4's Made in Chelsea, revealed she was initially "fearful of public backlash and victim shaming" when asked to discuss her Strictly experience. "But after much deliberation with loved ones, I found the courage to confront these fears," she said. "When approached by the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show."
The new measures include the presence of a production team member during rehearsals, along with a celebrity welfare producer and a professional dancer welfare producer. Further training for the production team and crew has also been implemented.
