Strictly Come Dancing to put chaperones in all rehearsals amid complaints about dancers

Strictly Come Dancing is to introduce production staff chaperones into all future rehearsals amid complaints made about two of its former professional dancers.

The corporation says it will also add two dedicated welfare producers to the show's crew and deliver more training for the production team, and that it takes duty of care "extremely seriously".

It comes after the announcements that Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice have left the programme.

A BBC investigation is under way and Pernice has dismissed allegations about his behaviour as "simply false", saying he looks forward to clearing his name. Di Prima has said he "deeply" regrets the events that led to his own departure, but that there are "aspects" of the story he cannot "discuss at this time".

Kate Phillips, BBC's director of unscripted content, said concerns had been raised relating to Strictly's training and rehearsals.

"Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we're made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act," she said in a statement.

"Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals. The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production."

Earlier on Tuesday, reality star and presenter Zara McDermott, who was paired with Di Prima in the contest last year, said she had "wrestled with the fear" of speaking out about her time on the series.

'I was scared about public backlash'

In a statement shared on social media, the 27-year-old said she had dreamed of taking part since she was a child and most of her experience was "amazing" - but "inside the training room was very different".

Footage of "particular incidents" has been "incredibly distressing to watch", the star said, adding that she had been "scared" of a potential public backlash to speaking out.

McDermott, who is now a documentary presenter and media personality after rising to fame on Love Island, said: "I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it. I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took."

The star went on to say that "so much" of her experience met her expectations, as "the entire production team and everyone behind the scenes", as well as her fellow contestants, "were so amazing to work with".

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However, she continued: "My experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.

"I have wrestled with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming. But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.

"The culture within our society makes it difficult to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I've seen through working with countless women on my documentaries."

McDermott thanked the BBC for their "swift action and incredibly high level of support", as well as those who have sent kind messages. "It truly means a lot," she said.

'When the time is right, I will share my story'

Italian dancer Di Prima joined Strictly in 2018 and his celebrity partners have included radio DJ Vick Hope, Loose Women panellist Judi Love and TV presenter Kym Marsh, as well as McDermott.

In a statement shared on Instagram at the weekend, Di Prima said his "intense passion and determination to win might have affected" his training regime and that it was "best for the show" to step away.

"I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future," he said. "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."

Pernice, who was partnered with Sherlock actress Amanda Abington in 2023, left the show earlier this year amid allegations about his teaching methods.

The 33-year-old has previously dismissed allegations he displayed "abusive or threatening behaviour" as "simply false" and said he is "cooperating fully" with the ongoing BBC investigation, "which will determine the truth".

"As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth," he said in a statement in June.

Strictly Come Dancing returns in the autumn for its next series, which marks the 20th anniversary of the show.