Has Strictly Come Dancing been tainted by scandal?

Strictly Come Dancing, a beloved television show in the UK, has recently faced some serious allegations that have raised concerns among its fans. The show, which pairs celebrities with professional dancers, has been a staple of British entertainment for years. However, this year, just three days into the rehearsals for the 2023 season, actress Amanda Abbington voiced her discomfort regarding her dance partner, Giovanni Pernice. Abbington's complaints were not isolated; they were part of a larger pattern of troubling behavior that has come to light over the past year. Zara McDermott, another former contestant, reported that her partner, Graziano Di Prima, kicked her during rehearsals, describing the behind-the-scenes environment as 'toxic. ' These revelations have led many to question whether the magic of the show has been tarnished by these scandals. The impact of these allegations is evident in the viewing figures. Nearly a million fewer people tuned in for the launch show this year compared to the previous year, although it is important to note that overall television viewership has been declining. Charlotte Moore, the BBC's chief content officer, defended the show's ratings, stating that many viewers consume the content in different ways, and she expressed satisfaction with the show's performance. Despite the controversies, she emphasized that the show remains a positive experience for the majority of participants. The BBC has faced scrutiny for its handling of the complaints, particularly regarding Abbington's allegations. In July, former contestant Rev Richard Coles described Strictly as 'a wonderful show with a dark heart. ' However, Moore disagrees, asserting that the show has been a fantastic experience for most people involved. In response to the complaints, the BBC has implemented new measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. This includes having production team members present during training sessions, introducing new welfare support roles, and providing additional training for professional dancers and crew members. However, some critics have questioned why it took the BBC a year to conclude its investigation into Abbington's complaints. Moore explained that the production team acted based on the information available at the time, and when the complaint became formal, an independent review was conducted. Despite the new measures, some fans have expressed their discontent and vowed not to watch the show again. One viewer stated, 'Time to call it a day,' while another expressed surprise that the show continued amid the controversy. Conversely, some supporters of the show pointed out that it has been running for two decades with minimal scandals. They believe that the recent stories are simply part of the challenges faced in the television industry. TV critic Scott Bryan highlighted the importance of ensuring that everyone involved in the show has a positive experience, noting that only time will reveal whether these issues will cast a shadow over the current season and future ones. Giovanni Pernice has since moved on to the Italian version of Strictly, where he has received a 'complete green light' to continue his career. This year's contestants appear eager to focus on their performances and enjoy the experience. Toyah Willcox, a pop star from the 1980s, stated that the Strictly team has done everything possible to create a positive atmosphere for the new season. Former Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of moving forward. Nick Knowles, a presenter, also stressed the significance of listening to complaints and ensuring that they are addressed. As the show commenced, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman chose not to discuss the serious allegations that had emerged. Many viewers tune in to Strictly to escape from their daily lives, and it may not have felt appropriate to delve into such serious matters at that moment. Karen Smith, one of the show's creators, cautioned that if journalists continue to criticize the program, it could jeopardize its future. For now, Strictly Come Dancing continues to be a major highlight of British television. The BBC hopes that the recent report will help to put an end to the challenges it has faced in recent months. Despite the fluctuations in viewing figures, the show remains a favorite among many, and it is difficult to envision what could take its place in the Saturday night lineup, especially as the holiday season approaches. The BBC will be looking to ensure that the show remains a cherished part of British culture for years to come.