DANCING WITH THE STARS to Enforce Safety Protocols After Scandal
By Movieguide® Contributor
DANCING WITH THE STARS might start implementing new protocols to keep dancers safe after a scandal rocked the British dance show, STRICTLY COME DANCING.
“The new STRICTLY protocols were unveiled three days ago after a second dancer, Graziano Di Prima, exited the show over allegations of inappropriate behavior towards a partner,” Deadline reported. “All future STRICTLY rehearsals will now be policed by a member of production staff. Meanwhile, two new dedicated welfare producers will be brought in and there will be additional training for the production team and crew.”
The new rules were put in place after Di Prima kicked his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, during rehearsals last year.
Mark Borkowski, a spokesperson for Di Prima, told BBC News, “There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that. He knows he’s made a mistake. He apologized at the time.”
Di Prima took to Instagram to explain his side of things.
“I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from STRICTLY,” he began to write. “My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.
“While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends,” Di Prima continued. “I wish the STRICTLY family and the BBC nothing but success in the future. I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
While the allegations still unfold, BBC Studios has decided that the “new measures being introduced in the UK” will be part of an “ongoing dialogue” surrounding international versions of the show, like DWTS.
“All territories regularly share, and deploy, learnings and best practices via BBC Studios’ global team of flying producers,” a BBC spokesperson said.
“The new measures being introduced in the UK on STRICTLY COME DANCING will contribute to this ongoing dialogue and we’ll continue to work with local broadcasters to ensure that stringent contributor welfare processes are at the heart of all versions of the show,” he continued.
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