July 26th 2024.
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional, Camilla Dallerup, recently spoke out about the controversy surrounding the beloved BBC programme. She revealed her own experience with the show and the moment she noticed red flags.
In recent months, Strictly has been plagued with scandal. Amanda Abbington accused her partner Giovanni Pernice of "bullying" before quitting in week 5 of the last series. It was also claimed that Graziano Di Prima physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals in 2023, which ultimately led to his departure from the show. These allegations, along with others from former contestants, have shed light on the toxic environment behind the glitz and glamour of Strictly.
Camilla, who now works as a life coach after retiring from dancing, shared her concerns when a major change was made to the show. She noted that the show's format shifted from eight weeks to 12 or 14 weeks, which added immense pressure to each season. "The audiences' expectations have built through the years and so, what has happened, it leaves on such a high that the next season needs to almost match that," Camilla explained to Christine Lampard on Lorraine.
The Danish star also expressed her shock and sadness upon learning about the allegations against the professionals. She stated, "I feel sad because for me, too, it was such a magical chapter of my life and for the celebrities that I guided through the journey." Camilla went on to say that she has fond memories of the show and it is deeply upsetting to hear that not everyone's experience was positive.
When it came to her own approach to training, Camilla emphasized the importance of communication with her partners. "You have to really manage everybody's expectations," she said. If her partner wanted to make it to the final, she would create a training schedule based on their availability and dedication.
Camilla also shared her thoughts on the BBC's plans to address the welfare issues on the show. She believes it is necessary in light of the recent controversies, but couldn't have imagined it being necessary during her time on the show. "Everything we did was recorded," Camilla revealed. "If something happened in the rehearsal room, producers would be on the phone two minutes later." This level of monitoring was not something she experienced during her six years as a Strictly pro.
Many other former contestants have also spoken out about their negative experiences on the show, including Anthony Ogogo, Will Bayley, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Rachel Riley. The BBC's director-general, Tim Davie, has issued an apology to those who have had a negative experience on the show, stating that unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated.
With the new series of Strictly set to air later this year, the show's reputation is under scrutiny. The BBC has yet to comment on Camilla's statements, but it is clear that changes need to be made in order to create a safe and positive environment for all involved.
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