Strictly stars complain over 'nightmare' chaperones during rehearsals

Strictly Come Dancing was left in utter turmoil last year after it was embroiled in two major cases of inappropriate behaviour by professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima. Following an internal investigation, BBC bosses introduced chaperones to sit in on rehearsalswhile celebrities train, as part of the broadcaster's new duty of care measures.

But this year a few of the celebrities have complained that the chaperones are getting in the way, and disrupting their rehearsals. Now, a source has said that the issues are making it more difficult week on week.

A source said: "The chaperones have started to become a bit of a nightmare. It's making training harder and less enjoyable because there are lots of stops and starts. Nobody wants a repeat of Graziano kicking Zara McDermott but some of the situations are a bit over the top."

They added: "The chaperones are logging things that really don't need to be. It's like it has gone from one extreme to the other. Some celebrities just want to crack on, get on with it and learn to dance. It has all got a bit too much. Just because there were some unfortunate incidents, it doesn't mean everyone should have to put up with it."

Another source told The Mail on Sunday that the professional dancers and celebrities find themselves "walking on eggshells". Strictly has been known for ruining pre-existing relationships as celebrities have fallen for their dance partners.

But now with the inclusion of chaperones, the source said it is even more unlikely. A spokesperson for the broadcaster said: "Training Room Researchers, referred to by some press as ‘chaperones’, would not interrupt rehearsals in the way this story suggests. Their job is to observe and log activity."

It has been reported that chaperones have been told to contact a senior member of production staff as soon as they notice any signs of misconduct.

This comes after Amanda Abbington made a complaint in 2023 about her pro dancer, Giovani, and accused him of bullying her and acting inappropriately. He strongly denied the allegations.

This came at the same time it emerged that Graziano was axed from the BBC show after it emerged that he had kicked and spat at contestant Zara McDermott during rehearsals.

A source told The Sun: "They’ve [chaperones] been told to log positive moments in rehearsals as well as anything that could be called into question. However, it has been stressed that they should call the helpline immediately if anything bad happens to ensure that any wrongdoing is dealt with promptly."

The source continued: "It will also be protocol for the researchers to move between different training rooms so they don’t become too pally with the professional dancers and celebrities."

Contestants including Thomas Skinner, Vicky Pattison and Amber Davies have entertained the nation for two weeks, but tonight's show will be the first time that a celebrity is eliminated.

So far, the show has already gone through its own drama as Dani Dyer was forced to pull out after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals.

Following confirmation of her departure, former Love Island star Amber Davies.

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