Former Strictly star describes show as ‘having a dark heart’ – saying ‘nobody is surprised’ at abuse claims
FORMER Strictly Come Dancing star Reverend Richard Coles has described the show as having a “dark heart” following two shocking scandals.
The 62-year-old took part in the 2017 series when he was partnered with professional dancer Dianne Buswell.
While he said the programme was “wonderful”, he admitted he “wasn’t surprised” by misconduct in the rehearsal room after an investigation into Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima‘s behaviour.
He told Times Radio: “I remember somebody who worked on the show for years and years telling me, saying, Strictly is a wonderful show with a dark heart. And I never really understood what that meant, but perhaps one of the things that meant is what you don’t see, which is how intensely competitive it is.
“And also, I think the fact that it’s so important to the BBC, how much effort goes into maintaining the glitter on the glitter ball, if you see what I mean.
“All human experience is mixed, we know that. Introduce that element of competition to it. You know, it’s a career-making or a career-breaking experience for some people. And you can understand why the smile perhaps gets a little fixed and the glitter a little bit shiny.”
Both Graziano and Giovanni learned their craft in the notorious Team Diablo school on the Italian island of Sicily.
It’s Europe’s biggest dance school and students practice for up to 12 hours a day, are drilled to perfect their routines and have been said to lose dangerous amounts of weight.
Rev Coles continued: “The world of professional ballroom and Latin is extremely competitive. These dancers have been doing it literally since they were children.
“It’s unsentimental, it’s brutal, and they work in regimes which are impossibly disciplined, I think, for people who aren’t used to that. So often it’s a bit of a culture shock for people coming into it.
“That’s not to excuse or condone any inappropriate behaviour. It’s quite right of the BBC with its duty of care to protect contestants from that, and also to just help dancers work out what the right angle of approach is to the programme and the people they work with.”
Graziano told of his “deep regret” over claims he had kicked, hit and spat at celebrity dance partner and ex-Love Islander Zara McDermott during training — allegations that led to his sacking.
While Giovanni — whose celeb pairings have included Amanda Abbington, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore — was dropped amid stories suggesting he had pushed some stars too hard.
Both scandals were far removed from Rev Coles’ own eexperience.
He said: “We had a fantastic relationship, both on and off camera, and I wasn’t aware at all of anything untoward at the time.
“I’ve spoken to both contestants and also professionals about it. And I think no one has been surprised that this stuff has surfaced. I think everyone’s just concerned to see that appropriate measures are put in to mitigate it, I think.”
Meanwhile Dame Esther Rantzen, who took part in series two, said the show has become a “sacred cow” that is “inflated beyond its worth”.
She said: “It’s become much more dancey. It’s become much more professionalised… It’s become technically much more difficult and it’s become much more of a competition. And I can understand why producers want the dance to be lovely, but actually, this is an entertainment show about amateurs.
“The only worry I have is why it took so long for these complaints to surface. And if I were a producer, and I have been a producer in my time, that’s the question I would be asking myself with a bit of concern.
“I mean, I’m sure the steps they’ve taken will be effective, but they do need to ask themselves why nobody dares make a complaint when things go wrong.”
Both welcomed the introduction of a new welfare policy that will see chaperones in all training rooms going forward.
Coles said: “TV studios can be places where a sort of bullying is often licensed, I think. But I think the BBC should put in measures to mitigate it. I think having people from production in rehearsal rooms, which is the one part of the process, it’s the most intense part of the process, and the one that is most often not seen, although there are of course crews coming in and out all the time.
“But I think some sort of chaperone system to ensure that dancers know what they’re supposed to be doing and that contestants know what they’re supposed to be doing too. I mean, I don’t want to take it away from Strictly, it was a fantastic experience for me and I loved it.”
Graziano Di Prima - Strictly statement in FULL
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.”
He continued: “While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
He concluded the post: “I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”