August 19th 2024.
Christopher Biggins recently shared his thoughts on the ongoing controversy surrounding the popular BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing. The actor expressed little sympathy for contestants who have raised allegations of mistreatment by their professional dance partners.
In an interview with Radio Times, Biggins stated bluntly: "If you don't want to be hit across the knuckles, don't do the show." He also revealed that he was previously invited to participate in Strictly but declined, citing the difficulty and hard work required.
The current controversy was sparked by actress Amanda Abbington, who quit the show last year and accused her professional dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, of cruel behavior. Abbington's allegations have prompted a broader discussion about the treatment of celebrity contestants by their professional partners on the long-running series.
Biggins was critical of these complaints, stating that "the whole saga that's going on at the moment annoys me." He emphasized the hard work and dedication required to do well on the show, and dismissed the complaints as "rubbish."
When asked about the line between working hard and bullying, Biggins referenced Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood, who recently recalled his own dance teacher using a stick to enforce discipline. Biggins asserted that this level of discipline is necessary if contestants want to win and be successful on the show.
The controversy doesn't stop with Pernice and Abbington, as another Strictly partnership between Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima also ended in allegations of misconduct. Both dancers have since left the show.
In response to these concerns, the BBC has announced new measures to support the welfare of contestants, such as monitoring dance rehearsals and having a production team member present during training sessions. However, Biggins' comments highlight a divide in public opinion about the expectations placed on Strictly contestants. Some believe that hard work and discipline are necessary to succeed on the show, while others argue that this should not come at the expense of mistreatment or bullying.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the BBC has launched an investigation into Pernice's conduct and he has vehemently denied the accusations. The show's producers are taking steps to address the issues raised by Abbington and McDermott, and are committed to providing a safe and positive experience for all contestants.
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