Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood breaks silence on ‘shock’ of abuse allegations | Ents & Arts News
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has said allegations of abusive behaviour on the show came as a “shock”.
Last weekend, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima said he was leaving the BBC show after claims about his treatment of reality star Zara McDermott – including confirmed reports he kicked her during a rehearsal.
There have also been allegations about the teaching methods of professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, which he has dismissed as “simply false”.
Speaking to radio presenter Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales, Revel Horwood said he only found out about the allegations “through the press”.
“For me it’s a shock, and news to me, because the judges are never present at any of the teaching, we literally come in on a Saturday and just judge what we see before us.
“So we’re kept very, very separate to the rest of the company.
“For us it’s complete news. Every day that I read about something I think ‘That can’t be right’, so I’ll wait and see what happens with the investigations, but certainly we have nothing to do with that.”
Asked if he is worried about the future of Strictly, he added: “I don’t think so because it’s one of those shows that belongs in the people’s hearts that are at home who love dancing, and there’s nothing better than seeing someone come from nothing and work hard and move up to being absolutely phenomenal.”
Graziano Di Prima and Zara McDermott on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023. Pic: BBC/Guy Levy
The BBC has said it will introduce production staff chaperones into all future rehearsals.
The corporation has said it will also add two dedicated welfare producers to the show’s crew and deliver more training for the production team.
Revel Horwood said he thought it was a good idea.
“When I was in (the musical) Annie we had chaperones everywhere, because the kids and laws and all of that stuff,” he said.
The 59-year-old is currently starring in the UK tour of The Wizard Of Oz.
“I’ve noticed in the theatre world we have chaperones and people we can speak to if you’re having a down day,” he said.
“We have psychologists on the shows now, and all of that, so I think it’s just a normal progression of what’s happening in life now.”
He added: “I think it’s good. I think it’s good to have that.”
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On Friday, former Strictly professionals Ian Waite and Vincent Simone said they were “surprised” by the allegations.
Speaking to ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Mr Waite said he did not experience anyone being aggressive during his time on the show, but condemned any physical action as “not appropriate”.
Di Prima has said he “deeply” regrets the events that led to his departure, but that there are “aspects” of the story he cannot “discuss at this time”.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s director of unscripted, has said that while “the vast majority of those who have taken part” in BBC shows have had positive experiences, when the corporation is made aware of inappropriate behaviour “we will always take that seriously and act”.
A BBC investigation is ongoing.
