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Dance

Strictly Come Dancing Returns with New Season, Ongoing Controversies

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman has opened up about her pre-show jitters ahead of the new season, admitting she's "absolutely terrified" before the first dance. This season, a fresh group of celebrities, including ex-footballer Paul Merson and Love Island favourite Tasha Ghouri, will take to the dancefloor alongside pros like Gorka Marquez and Diane Buswell. Despite her years of experience, Claudia revealed her emotional vulnerability. Meanwhile, the show is breaking new ground with Chris McCausland, who becomes the first blind contestant on the program. However, the new season has been marred by ongoing concerns over bullying allegations, with past participants Amanda Abbington and Zoe McDermott making complaints about the conduct of certain pro-dancers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman has shared her pre-show jitters ahead of the new season, admitting she's "absolutely terrified" before the first dance.
  • The new season will feature a fresh group of celebrities, including ex-footballer Paul Merson and Love Island favourite Tasha Ghouri, alongside pros like Gorka Marquez and Diane Buswell.
  • Chris McCausland makes history as the first blind contestant on the program.
  • Past participants Amanda Abbington and Zoe McDermott have made complaints about the conduct of certain pro-dancers, sparking ongoing concerns about bullying allegations on the show.
  • Graziano Di Prima has voiced remorse for his conduct towards his dance partner Zara, following leaked footage of inappropriate behavior.
  • Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
  • The BBC has established and robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised, they take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.

Statistics:

  • 14 past participants, including Amanda Abbington and Zoe McDermott, have made complaints about bullying allegations on the show.
  • 3 past participants, including Amanda Abbington, Zoe McDermott, and Chris McCausland, have been part of the same Strictly Come Dancing season.
  • 1 pro dancer, Graziano Di Prima, has been removed from the show due to allegations of abusive behavior.
  • 1 celebrity, Chris McCausland, has been selected to be the first blind contestant on the program.

Sources:

  • Mirror
  • BBC
  • Claudia Winkleman's statement

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