Strictly to give celebrities weekly psychological tests in wake of BBC crisis

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Privacy Notice This year’s Strictly Come Dancing stars will reportedly be put through weekly psychological assessments in a groundbreaking wellness initiative. Stars like Pete Wicks, 36, Nick Knowles of DIY SOS fame, 61, and EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick, 30, who are rumoured to be shimmying onto the BBC dancefloor, will be meeting with mental health pros regularly throughout the competition. Blind comedian Chris McCausland, 43, and the charming Death In Paradise detective Ralf Little, 44, are also whispered to be amongst those donning sequins this season. The new measures aim to wrap a protective arm around both the professional dancers and the celeb contestants following demands for increased support, The Mirror reports. This change follows an official probe into allegations of “bullying” involving the show’s past dance pro Giovanni Pernice made by his former celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington.

Strictly celebrities will be given the ’emotional backing they need’
(Image: BBC)

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Sources told The Mirror that psychological support will be integral this series, ensuring the celebs have the emotional backing they need amid the show’s notorious physical and emotional demands. The source said: “It will give them a safe space to voice any concerns they have – and just feel listened to. As well as allowing Beeb bosses to monitor how the celebrities are coping with the pressures of the show.” It comes after professional dancers highlighted the “untold stress and mental anguish”. They’ve been pushing for more thorough psych evaluations like those seen on other reality TV hit shows such as Love Island and Dancing On Ice. The BBC has taken action following allegations against Strictly Come Dancing stars Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima – regarding his treatment of reality star Zara McDermott. Both dancers, aged 33 and 30 respectively, have had their contracts terminated due to the accusations. In response to these events, the BBC will now have a production team member present during all training room rehearsals, a new celebrity welfare producer, a professional dancer welfare producer, and further training for the production team and crew. BBC director-general Tim Davie addressed the situation this week, stating that the “line should never be crossed” and apologising for any mishandling on the show. He expressed his regret, saying: “I’m very sorry that anyone has had an experience on Strictly that hasn’t been wholly positive.” He continued: “I think that is something we do reflect on, and I’m sorry about that. If someone feels there was something wrong or they wanted to talk about their experience, then, of course, we want them to raise that with us and be in no doubt, we will take it seriously.”

Giovanni will not be returning to the BBC One show
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Davie emphasised that unacceptable behaviour would not be tolerated and that “robust actions” had already been implemented to change how the show handles future situations. The Strictly saga continues to unfold this week. Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, 50, opened up in a couple of television interviews about her experience with Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing, alleging mistreatment began just three days into rehearsals. She claimed that there are “five or six” others who were also negatively impacted by Giovanni’s alleged behaviour. Reports have surfaced suggesting formal complaints were only raised after the BBC launched an investigation into Amanda’s allegations. In response to these allegations, Giovanni’s representative stated: “We are cooperating fully with the BBC’s review process.” Giovanni’s rep added: “Giovanni refutes any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour, and having provided the BBC with his evidence, is confident that the review will prove this.” Zara is said to have braved last year’s Strictly competition with a fractured leg, only disclosing this injury during the inquiry sparked by Amanda’s complaint. There’s concern over Graziano as well after he was dropped from Strictly. Now under careful medical watch, Graziano’s family is reportedly “deeply concerned” about his health, keeping a vigilant eye over him. The Sicilian dancer confessed to kicking Zara during rehearsals, attributing the mishap to his “intense passion to win”. Meanwhile, Strictly Come Dancing chiefs are eager to proceed with the upcoming series, aiming to start revealing the new contestants in just over a week’s time. They’re keen to restore the show’s feel-good vibe, with the celebrity line-up set to be unveiled starting August 5 across various BBC TV and radio platforms.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnDancing On IceEastEndersLove IslandStrictly Come DancingGiovanni PerniceNick KnowlesPete WicksZara Mcdermott

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