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Strictly bosses have ‘demanded all professional dancers to undergo anti-bullying training’ ahead of this year’s show amid the misconduct probe.
BBC insiders say a new clause has now been added to the professional casts’ contracts stipulating they must complete the training if they wish to continue on the ballroom show.
The insiders also added chiefs are taking the new rules ‘very seriously indeed’.
The BBC is seeking to ramp up its duty of care to contestants after three celebrities complained to lawyers about alleged misconduct while competing on the show.
The findings of an investigation into the behaviour of former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice- who denies any wrongdoing – are expected to be made public imminently.
Strictly bosses have ‘demanded all professional dancers to undergo formal anti-bullying training’ ahead of this year’s talent show following recent claims of misconduct
BBC insiders say a new clause has now been added to the professional cast’s contracts stipulating that they must complete the training if they wish to continue on the ballroom show
Giovanni, 33, quit the show in May amid allegations of misconduct, while Graziano Di Prima, 30, was axed from the show after it emerged he had been physically and verbally adusive to former partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals.
Following his exit, BBC bosses announced they would introduce chaperones to the training room and hire welfare staff to support stars and deliver ‘further training’ to cast and crew.
A BBC insider told The Mirror: ‘By making this training compulsory, the BBC are sending a crystal clear message to everyone involved in the show that this behaviour will not be tolerated.
‘The recent allegations and complaints have rocked Strictly, but they are determined it will not be derailed.’
‘They are going to do everything they can to prevent misconduct in future. They are taking these new rules very seriously indeed and anyone who does not comply will be gone in an instant.’
MailOnline has contacted Strictly’s representatives for comment.
The news of the new clause comes after Giovanni’s former dance partner Amanda Abbington, 50, told how she was left suffering ‘mild PTSD’ after her stint on the show.
Amanda – who has since openly condemned the dancer’s ‘nasty’ behaviour – went on to instruct Carter Ruck lawyers over her claims, and was joined by several other complainants.
In response, Giovanni instructed legal firm Schillings to defend him, while the BBC launched an internal probe which has seen a team of ex-cops tasked with gathering evidence.
The BBC is seeking to ramp up its duty of care to contestants after three celebrities complained to lawyers about alleged misconduct (Strictly in 2023)
The findings of an investigation into the behaviour of former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice (seen) – who denies any wrongdoing – are expected to be made public imminently
Giovanni, 33, quit the show in May amid allegations of misconduct, while Graziano Di Prima, 30, was axed from the show after it emerged he had been abusive to Zara (pictured)
Laura Whitmore, who was paired with Giovanni in 2016, also revealed earlier this month that she and six others had spoken to the BBC regarding Amanda’s complaint against the dancer.
Speaking in a statement, Laura, 39, said she felt compelled to go public by ‘victim-shaming’ experienced by the Sherlock actress.
A second source also added that the BBC ‘has not ruled out’ making further changes to their duty of care policy.
It comes after BBC director general Tim Davie, 57, apologised to Strictly celebrities whose experience on the show wasn’t ‘wholly positive’ as he addressed the bullying scandal that has engulfed the show.
Speaking at the release of the annual BBC report, Mr Davie said there will inevitably be ‘competitiveness, hard work and the will to do well’ on the show, but added the ‘line should never be crossed’.
He added he was looking forward to the new series amid uncertainty over the show’s future with reports five professional dancers are in danger of being axed following recent claims of misconduct.
