Stars of Strictly Come Dancing are reportedly claiming they've been “hung out to dry” by their former celebrity partners amid the ongoing scandal hitting the BBC series.
The beloved ballroom show has been marred in controversy in recent weeks, with multiple former contestants making accusations of abuse and bullying during their time on the show.
As the professionals returned to training this week, TV insiders have claimed that many of the pro dancers believe they haven't been protected by BBC bosses as “more and more” celebrities come forward.
An insider told the Mirror: “It’s causing untold stress and mental anguish to so many of them as every day there are new accusations.
“Yes, one or two of the celebs in the last 20 years might have had a bad experience but they are in a tiny minority. The whole thing smacks of ambulance chasing.”
The outlet also reported that dancers are calling for BBC bosses to introduce psychological testing while casting for the show as seen on ITV shows such as Love Island and Dancing On Ice.
Duty of protocols from Love Island bosses show they offer “pre-filming psychological and medical assessments including assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and reports from each Islander’s own GP to check medical history.”
The source added: “Strictly isn’t for everyone and a thorough assessment such as this might prevent people signing up who aren’t suitable. It’s a tough show and some celebs aren’t prepared for what it entails and just want to enjoy the publicity and airtime. Unfortunately it doesn’t work like that.”
The Standard has contacted a representative for the BBC for comment.
The show has been at the centre of a storm of complaints from some of its former celebrity stars with Amanda Abbington, Zara McDermott and Paralympian Will Bayley all speaking out.
The table tennis star said he suffered a life-changing injury during the making of the hit show and said there was “no duty of care”.
Abbington criticised professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, saying his behaviour was “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean”. The Italian dancer will not appear in the new series but has previously denied accusations of abusive behaviour.
As the BBC's investigation into misconduct intensified, pro Graziano Di Prima was then axed from the show amid allegations he "kicked" Love Island star McDermott during rehearsals. He has since stated that he "deeply regrets" the incidents leading to his departure.
On Tuesday, BBC boss Tim Davie confirmed the new series of Strictly would go ahead despite recent controversies over the treatment of contestants but said “unacceptable behaviour” will not be tolerated.
The general director apologised over alleged mistreatment of contestants, saying: “I’m very sorry that anyone has had a experience on Strictly that hasn’t been wholly positive, I think that is something we do reflect on, and I’m sorry about that.”
He said there will inevitably be “competitiveness, hard work and the will to do well” on the show, adding: “But there are limits and the line should never be crossed. We will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind.”
In the wake of the scandal-hit show, it was reported that five Strictly stars might be facing dismissal ahead of the 2025 series following the departures of Pernice and Di Prima.
