Strictly Come Dancing bosses are exploring the idea of introducing intimacy coaches, according to a new report.
The corporation is allegedly considering hiring experts similar to those used in Hollywood to help set clear boundaries between celebrities and their professional dance partners amidthe ongoing Strictly misconduct scandal.
A source close told The Daily Star: "Some of them need the boundaries of how normal people behave explained.
“Because [dance] is all leading and following, and they've been doing it since they were eight, the idea that you can just grab someone's wrist is ingrained in them.
“And clearly, for some [dancers] what is completely unacceptable behaviour needed to have been spelled out.”
The Standard has contacted the BBC for comment.
The reported move comes after it was announced that Graziano Di Prima was axed from Strictly after kicking his former dance partner Zara McDermott, whom he was paired with during the 2023 series.
Issuing a statement, Di Prima said: "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."
Fellow pro Giovanni Pernice addressed the misconduct allegations levelled against him by previous celebrity partner Amanda Abbington, who claimed his behaviour on the BBC dance competition was “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean”, in an interview with the Sun on Sunday.
The 50-year-old Sherlock actress - who withdrew from last year's series in October - told the newspaper that she feared a backlash if she complained and claimed the BBC had known about his behaviour for years.
The broadcaster confirmed that the 33-year-old Italian will not be returning for the show's series this year while his spokesperson has previously said he denied any accusations of abusive or threatening behaviour.
Appearing on stage during his tour with Strictly judge Anton Du Beke in Salford on Sunday, Pernice said: “Let’s see what this mad woman has got to say next." He did not name anyone.
“Oh, I will be back, don’t you worry,” Pernice said to loud cheers from the audience at the Lowry Theatre, on the final stop on the Anton and Giovanni Together Live Tour.
Reports have since emerged that a third pro who used to be on the show has been named as a ‘person of interest’.
Then on Monday, former contestant Will Bayley criticised Strictly for how he was treated during his time on the BBC series.
The Paralympian, who participated in the BBC series in 2019, had to withdraw after six weeks due to a severe knee ligament injury sustained during rehearsals.
The athlete revealed that the injury happened when his professional partner, Janette Manrara, insisted he redo a jump after an initial “rubbish” attempt, resulting in excruciating pain he will endure "forever."
In response to Bayley’s claims, a BBC spokesperson told The Standard: “We have longstanding protocols for dealing with injuries if they occur and that includes contestants receiving all necessary treatment and support as required.”
In the wake of the ongoing furore, the BBC announced that they are taking measures in order to introduce ‘”practical steps” to support welfare. Dance rehearsals will now be monitored, and a production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times.
