The boss of the BBC has apologized for the Strictly Come Dancing scandal, saying “with the benefit of hindsight we should have done more” but positing that this year’s contestants are “itching to get going.”
Tim Davie was asked mounds of questions by journalists about the scandal, the current review into allegations, duty of care procedures and the upcoming season during the Q&A session of today’s BBC Annual Report.
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“I’m very sorry that anyone has had an experience on Strictly that hasn’t been wholly positive,” he said. “That is something we do reflect on and I am sorry about that.”
Two dancers have exited Strictly in recent weeks amid its biggest crisis in the juggernaut’s 20-year history, which has caused a tightening of protocols that will now see all rehearsals policed by a member of production staff. Graziano Di Prima left after it was reported that he had kicked former partner Zara McDermott. Giovanni Pernice, meanwhile, will not take part in this year’s show after allegations of inappropriate conduct from Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, which he denies. The Sun reported last week that a third dancer is being probed, while another former contestant, British Paralympian table tennis player Will Bayley, has been speaking out about a “horrific” injury he sustained on the show.
Davie said he was “disappointed” when he heard about the allegations. “I am editor in chief of this organization,” he added. “We care about duty of care and want people to have a positive experience. Overall we are very proud of the BBC and our teams care deeply about these issues so when you hear about these things you are inevitably disappointed.”
To avoid being a “hostage to fortune,” Davie wouldn’t be drawn on when the BBC’s review into the allegations will be published but said “I hope it will be resolved soon and I want it to be resolved soon.”
With the “benefit of hindsight,” Davie said the BBC could have done more, “but the key here is to address the situation.” Questioned on Strictly duty of care by numerous journalists, he said “the measures we have taken I believe are appropriate and fair in terms of training rooms having oversight and so that people can have a positive experience.”
“Itching to get going”
Davie had to repeatedly confirm that this year’s 20th anniversary season will take place, with the current revealed lineup of dancers all set to feature as planned.
“I am assured by robust actions we have made that we are in a positive place to deliver a very good season this year and that has been my focus,” he added. “We have a brilliant lineup this year who I’m sure are itching to get going and you will be hearing more about this in the coming weeks.”
Davie addressed journalists on the topic prior to the Q&A session, saying “there are limits and the line should never be crossed” before adding: “We will never tolerate unacceptable behavior of any kind.” Amid the current probe, he urged anyone who “feels there is something wrong or wants to talk about their experience” to “raise it with us.”
The BBC’s Annual Report revealed 500 staff will be laid off over the next 20 months as it grapples with a hefty financial deficit.
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