Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood breaks silence on misconduct allegations and admits ‘it was a shock’

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has said allegations of abusive behaviour towards former contestants on the show have come as a “shock” to him.

This week, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, 30, apologised for punching and kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals after being dropped from the show.

This came after Giovanni Pernice, 33, was suspended while a BBC An investigation is underway allegations of off-camera misconduct done by Amanda Abbington50, and two other famous former partners, which he denies.

Speaking to radio presenter Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales, Craig, 59, said: “I just found out (about the allegations), like everyone else, through the press.

“For me it is a shock and news to me because the judges are never present at any of the teachings, we literally come on a Saturday and just judge what we see in front of us.

Craig continued: “So we’re very, very separate from the rest of the company.

“For us, it’s complete news. Every day when I read something, I say to myself: ‘This is not possible,’ so I wait to see what happens with the investigations, but we have nothing to do with that.”

Asked if he was worried about the future of Strictly, he added: “I don’t think so, because it’s one of those shows that belongs to the hearts of people who are at home and love to dance, and there’s nothing better than seeing someone come from nothing, work hard and become absolutely phenomenal.”

It was recently reported that Strictly Come Dancing bosses are considering hiring chaperones for the stars who follow the professional dancers. to be accused of misconduct.

The BBC has reportedly stepped up its duty of care by tasking its director-general Sam Bickley with monitoring the welfare of participants.

Craig, who is currently on the UK tour of The Wizard of Oz, said he thought it was a good idea.

“When I was at Annie, we had chaperones everywhere, because of the kids and the laws and all that kind of stuff,” he said.

“And I noticed that in the theater world, we have chaperones and people we can talk to if you’re having a bad day.”

Craig added: “We have psychologists on shows now and all that, so I think it’s just a normal progression of what’s happening in life now.”

“I think it’s good. I think it’s good to have that.”

On Tuesday, it was reported that a third Strictly Come Dancing professional has been named as a “person of interest” following allegations of abuse and bullying overshadowing the show.

The Sun reports that a third professional dancer – who is no longer on the show – is also part of the investigation into the BBC series.

A source told the publication: “A professional’s name has emerged, alongside Giovanni and Graziano.

“He’s no longer on the show but he’s been designated as a person of interest. Conversations are ongoing and there are other people who need to be spoken to.”

They added: “A dossier is being prepared and will be submitted to the BBC. What is becoming clear is that there appears to be a more widespread problem regarding the conduct of some professionals in training.”

“And the more people come forward, the clearer the situation becomes.”

The BBC has been contacted by MailOnline for comment.

Tuesday strictly Bosses have announced plans to introduce mentors during training and the appointment of two new social producers, following Graziano’s surprise dismissal from the show.

Now bosses have announced they will introduce “additional measures to strengthen wellbeing and support on Strictly Come Dancing”.

According to a statement from the company, “the concerns that have arisen in recent months mainly concern training and rehearsals. The measures we are announcing today are intended to address these concerns.”

The new measures include the permanent presence of a member of the production team during rehearsals in the training room, as well as increased support for celebrity candidates and professional dancers.

A Celebrity Wellness Producer and a Professional Dancer Wellness Producer will both be appointed to fulfill these additional duties, and additional training will also be provided to the production team and crew.

Kate Phillips, director of Unscripted at the BBC, said: “While we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part in them, if issues are reported to us or we are made aware of inappropriate behaviour we will always take this seriously and take action.

“The concerns that have arisen are primarily related to training and rehearsals. The decisive measures we have taken and are being announced today are intended to further strengthen the wellbeing and support in place for everyone involved in this production.”

The announcement comes just hours after former Love Island star Zara broke her silence on the scandal.

She wrote on Instagram on Tuesday morning that while much of her time on Strictly “was everything I could have dreamed of” in the training room with Graziano, there were “some particular incidents that are incredibly distressing”.

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“I thought it was time to post something about the recent media reports,” Zara began. “Strictly is one of the most magical shows on television and one I’ve dreamed of appearing on since I was a little girl.”

“When I was invited to take part in the show it was truly a childhood dream come true. I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly would represent and I dedicated my time to it.”

“I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to do whatever it took.”

“And a lot of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamed of. The whole production team and everyone working behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were amazing to be around.

“However, my experience in the training room was very different. My treatment was covered on the show and there were witnesses to some of the events, as well as videos of particular incidents that are incredibly distressing to watch.

Zara explained that she did not report the incidents at the time because she was “afraid” of a negative reaction.

IInstead, it was the younger production staff who came forward to share what they had witnessed during the investigation into the professional dancer. Jeans used to take place.

“I struggled with the fear of opening up – I was afraid of the public reaction, I was afraid for my future, I was afraid of being the shamed victim,” Zara wrote on Instagram.

“But after many conversations with those I love, I gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke frankly about my time on the show.

“The culture of our society makes it difficult to speak out, especially in a world where opinions and voices on social media are so strong. This is something I have seen while working with countless women on my documentaries.

“I would like to thank the BBC and BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it truly means the world to me. With love, always. Zara.”