Strictly contestants ‘to be given weekly psychological checks as BBC show mired in bullying scandal’
STRICTLY Come Dancing contestants will receive ‘weekly psychological checks’ as bosses amid the BBC show’s misconduct controversy.
Bosses on the stricken ballroom show will reportedly introduce the new checks as part of their updated duty of care package.
The aim of the new measures is to ensure that celebrities ‘feel supported’ from the mental and physical strain while taking part in Strictly.
An insider told The Mirror: “It will give them a safe space to voice any concerns they have – and just feel listened to.
“As well as allowing Beeb bosses to monitor how the celebrities are coping with the pressures of the show.”
The Sun has contacted the BBC.
It comes as former Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice is facing investigation over his conduct whilst on the show.
Actress Amanda Abbington raised a complaint with execs over the treatment she received after quitting the programme last year.
The Sherlock star recently broke down in tears in her first TV interview addressing the scandal.
Graziano Di Prima was sacked over claims he hit, spat and kicked his celebrity dance partner Zara McDermott.
BBC boss Tim Davie recently spoke out about the Strictly scandal and issued a grovelling apology to those affected by their time on the show.
He said: “I’m very sorry that anyone has had an experience on Strictly that hasn’t been wholly positive.”
Davie added that the “line should never be crossed”.
On Saturday Laura Whitmore confirmed reports she has spoken to the BBC regarding Giovanni Pernice’s ‘inappropriate’ behaviour in a lengthy statement.
The Sun recently revealed how DIY SOS star Nick Knowles has signed up to the new series.
He’s set to be joined in the ballroom by former TOWIE star Pete Wicks who has also signed his contract.
Strictly's Full Scandal So Far
Strictly Come Dancing's scandal has been growing over the past few months, with several major players speaking out about what went on. Here are the key moments of what's happened so far
16th May: Giovanni Pernice sensationally quits Strictly Come Dancing after nine years on the show.
17th May: Giovanni becomes the centre of an official investigation after three former partners – believed to be Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh – make complaints to the BBC.
16th June: Giovanni releases an official statement vowing to clear his name and denies any wrongdoing.
8th July: Strictly confirms Aljaz Skorjanec will return to the series, replacing Giovanni, after initially quitting the show two years ago.
10th July: Amanda Abbington launches fresh legal proceedings to get the rehearsal footage from her time with Giovanni, after allegedly he refused to release the videos.
13th July: Graziano Di Prima is axed from Strictly for “gross misconduct” after footage of his treatment of Zara McDermott is brought to the attention of the BBC.
Graziano quickly broke his silence, apologising for his behaviour in a statement and saying he “deeply regrets it”, adding his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected his training regime.”
15th July: Strictly bosses implement new duty of care protocols, including having a chaperone present throughout all rehearsals.
16th July: Zara McDermott speaks out publicly for first time. She states while the production team were “amazing to work with”, she found the rehearsal room “completely different”, confirming there’s footage of “certain situations”.
19th July: Anton Du Beke is put under the spotlight for his “1970s attitude” and treatment of female celeb stars, particularly after allegedly referring to 2009 partner Laila Rouass as a “p***” after getting a spray tan.
21st July: Paralympian Will Bayley, who has limb condition arthrogryposis, revealed he was encouraged to leap from a table during a dance routine, despite fears. The stunt caused an injury that forced him to withdraw from the show.
22nd July: MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace admits he broke down in tears and got a nasty stress rash on his face during his time on Strictly in 2014.
23rd July: Celebrity agent Melanie Blake claims she was sexually assaulted by an unnamed pro dancer while backstage on the show, and claims she witnessed ageism, rudeness and a rough treatment to the point of injury.
23rd July: BBC boss Tim Davie breaks his silence on the ongoing allegations against Strictly, saying he is ‘deeply sorry’, adding: “Hundreds of people, be they pros, contestants or crew have been part of it and had a brilliant experience.
“At the same time if someone thinks there was something wrong or they want to talk about their experience then of course we want them to raise that with us. Be in no doubt we will take it seriously, listen and deal with it as appropriate.”