Will Bayley has said he suffered a serious and lifelong injury while performing a jump on the BBC’s flagship show. (Image: PA)
Strictly Come Dancing star Will Bayley has revealed he suffered an ‘excruciating’ and ‘lifelong’ injury while performing a jump on the BBC’s flagship show and claimed there was ‘no duty of care’
The BBC has spoken out after Janette Manara became the latest Strictly Come Dancing star to be called out by a former dance partner.
Will Bayley has said he suffered a serious and lifelong injury while performing a jump on the BBC’s flagship show when he was partnered with the It Takes Two host and has claimed there was “no duty of care”.
Responding to his comment, a BBC spokesperson said: “We have longstanding protocols for dealing with injuries if they occur and that includes contestants receiving all necessary treatment and support as required.”
Paralympian Will has said producers were told the jump from a table during a routine was too dangerous, but he was encouraged to do it anyway and after he was injured show bosses made him feel like it was his fault.
The BBC has spoken out after Janette Manara became the latest Strictly Come Dancing star to be called out by a former dance partner ( Image: PA)
Will Bayley has said he suffered a serious and lifelong injury while performing a jump on the BBC’s flagship show ( Image: PA)
The table tennis player is the latest celebrity to speak about his experiences on the show following concerns raised about the treatment of contestants Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott. Amanda has described professional Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour as “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean”. He denies the claims.
Meanwhile, Graziano Di Prima has left the show over allegations about his treatment of Love Island star McDermott. In a heartbreaking admission, the Sicilian admitted he kicked the reality star, but did not spit at her.
Speaking out about his experience on Strictly, Will said: “Now feels like the right time to speak up. I hope what I went through never happens to anyone else. I think the show thought they were being inclusive by casting me, but I actually felt pressured.
“I have got a serious disability and I don’t think anyone was really looking out for me when I injured myself, leaving me with injuries that still affect me to this day. No one has ever contacted me from the BBC or said sorry.”
In yet more controversy surrounding the show, it was reported on Friday that former dance partner Laila Rouass has consulted with her lawyers about a comment made in 2009 by show judge, Anton Du Beke, despite having previously reportedly accepted his apology.
The BBC has now announced there will be chaperones in the training rooms going into the news series. There will also be two producers focused on welfare: one for the celebrities and a second for the professional dancers.
Speaking about the future of the show, Kate Phillips, the BBC’s director of unscripted, said: “Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act. Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals. The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved.”
