‘Strictly was so stressful I was left in tears and got rash on my face – I had to call a therapist,’ says Gregg Wallace
MASTERCHEF’S Gregg Wallace was so stressed during his time on Strictly that he broke down in tears and his face erupted in a nasty rash.
The TV star, 59, was partnered with fiery Russian pro Aliona Vilani during his time on the show in 2014.
He only managed two appearances on the dancefloor before he was given the chop in the first dance off.
But in that short time, Gregg’s emotions went through the ringer and his confidence took a battering.
The BBC star told The Mirror’s Men In Mind podcast: “I was having a really tough time. I was really, really stressed… so badly that the side of my face broke out into a rash, like cold sores.”
The usually upbeat star even roped in his therapist for an emergency session in his dressing room before a live show.
Gregg recounted: “I said, ‘Are you free? Can you come and help me?’
“She jumped in the car, came into my dressing room and had me in floods of tears. But I went out and danced.”
He went even further in a chat with the Express, telling them he “absolutely hated” his experience.
To this day, super-fit Gregg continues to address issues of “self doubt” and “low self esteem” with the therapist.
Physically, he’s certainly better than ever after getting in serious shape and adopting a healthy diet.
Meanwhile, after a disappointing early exit a decade ago, Aliona returned the following year and lifted the coveted Glitterball with The Wanted star Jay McGuinness, before quitting the show to be a mum.
A decade on from Gregg’s time on the programme, Strictly is under scrutiny like never before.
Earlier this year the Beeb launched an investigation into ex-pro Giovanni Pernice‘s conduct in rehearsals following complaints by actress Amanda Abbington and three of the Italian’s former celebrity partners.
Gio decided to walk away from the show before it reached its conclusion though he is said to be confident his name will be cleared, despite Amanda insisting he was “cruel” and “horrible” to her.
As part of the same investigation, concerning allegations were made about pro Graziano Di Prima and his behaviour towards celeb partner Zara McDermott last year.
Distressing video footage is said to have shown him kicking and spitting at her in the training room. He issued a statement speaking of his “deep regret” and a spokesman for Graziano later admitted his client did kick Zara and had apologised.
He was sacked from the programme and fled to his home island of Sicily where he is now doing manual labour on a farm.
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.”