Strictly’s Sam Quek has weighed in on the show’s bullying scandal, insisting there are ‘two sides to the truth’.
The Olympian, 35, is one of the 14 new contestants taking part this year after the BBC show was shrouded in controversy.
Notably, Giovanni Pernice is being probed after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour, while Graziano Di Prima was sacked over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals.
Asked whether it made her wary of signing up for the programme, Sam told : ‘It’s 20 years of Strictly. It didn’t cross my mind at all.
‘I think, no disrespect, everyone has a different experience and I don’t know what their experience was – there’s two sides to the truth.’
Strictly ‘s Sam Quek has weighed in on the show’s bullying scandal, insisting there are ‘two sides to the truth’
Actress Sarah Hadland was in agreeance, saying: ‘I think you can’t really comment on something that you weren’t there for. And I mean, this is our experience
She continued: ‘For me, I’m here for every reason I just said. It shouldn’t take the shine off Strictly. It’s a fantastic programme. Everyone loves it for the energy, Saturday night, it brings people together. It’s just a positive show.
‘Sometimes in life there is always a negative experience, and yes let’s deal with that, but that doesn’t take away the positives.’
Actress Sarah Hadland was in agreeance, saying: ‘I think you can’t really comment on something that you weren’t there for. And I mean, this is our experience.
‘It’s essentially a new job, and a whole new set of people. So it’s impossible to comment on that.’
She went on to share the support the cast had received as she was asked about the involvement with chaperones.
New measures have been drafted into Strictly’s duty of care protocols, including a member of the production team being present during training room rehearsals at all times, and increased support for both celebrity contestants and the professional dancers.
A Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer will both be appointed to fulfil these added duties, and further training will also be delivered for the production team and crew.
Asked if she noticed the chaperone, Sarah explained: ‘We haven’t started that yet.
‘But we’ve been introduced to so many people that are there for support. And it feels like a lot of things have been put into place. So I certainly feel like we’re doing it in a environment in terms of being well looked after.’
Singer Shayne Ward also weighed in on the scandal, saying: ‘For me I was away performing so I don’t really know what has gone on.
‘For me personally I’ve experienced nothing more than honestly, a group of lovely warm people, great company. I judge it as I meet it and everyone is so lovely.
‘There’s a massive duty of care there.’
Singer Shayne Ward also weighed in on the scandal, saying: ‘For me I was away performing so I don’t really know what has gone on’
The investigation into Amanda’s claims she was bullied by her former Strictly partner Giovanni has cost the BBC more than £250,000 so far, The Mail on Sunday previously revealed.
Corporation bosses are said to be increasingly frustrated over the amount of money spent on the probe, which includes hiring two former Metropolitan Police officers to interview celebrities, dancers and staff from past and present shows as they look into Amanda’s allegations – which Giovanni strenuously denies.
Sources at the BBC also cite large sums spent on external lawyers and human resources experts on top of the investigations conducted by their own staff.
As well as the six-figure sum, the Corporation also faces a potential payout for compensation.
Amanda, 52, has hinted that she would be seeking such a payout while Giovanni, 33, is also said to be considering suing the BBC for an alleged lack of duty of care.
An insider said: ‘An enormous amount of money and time has been spent on this, making sure that the right calls are taken at all times.
‘But that has meant getting outsiders in to look at evidence and there is a huge cost on that.
‘It has gone on for months now, and there are various lawyers involved, it is a financial headache and the costs are going to keep going up until the inquiry is finished.
Even then it is likely there will be payouts. It’s a nightmare.’
While the flagship Saturday night show is made by BBC Studios – the broadcaster’s commercial arm – the investigation has crossed over to the main Corporation, which is funded by the licence fee.
In recent months, the dancing competition has been hit by a wave of scandals , with Giovanni Pernice being probed after his partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour
Graziano Di Prima was sacked over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals
The scandal unfolded in January when it was revealed that Amanda had asked BBC bosses for rehearsal footage after claiming she suffered PTSD as a result of appearing on Strictly.
She later claimed Giovanni had bruised her foot during training.
In April, the BBC launched an investigation. Last month, the actress showed Corporation bosses a video of a sexual nature which she said Mr Pernice had sent her via WhatsApp.
This year’s Strictly is said to have one of the lowest salary bills since it launched in 2004.
BBC insiders have suggested that producers want to recoup some of the money they have had to spend on the inquiry.
The Strictly Come Dancing 2024 launch show will air on Saturday 14th September at 19:20 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
STRICTLY LINE-UP 2024
Chris McCausland
Age: 46
Profession: Comedian
Chris says: ‘If anybody out there is thinking – How the hell is he going to do that? – then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing.’
Dr. Punam Krishan
Age: Unknown
Profession: GP and broadcaster
Punam says: ‘I have watched Strictly every year and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied.’
Toyah Willcox
Age: 66
Profession: Singer, actor, presenter
Toyah says: ‘I’m super excited and love this show. To be a part of it, the spray tan the glitter. Its a landmark year for me I came a pensioner, Glasto and now I get spray tans.’
Pete Wicks
Age: 36
Profession: Reality star
Pete says: ‘Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.’
Shayne Ward
Age: 39
Profession: Actor and singer
Shayne says: ‘I’m no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level.’
Tom Dean
Age: 24
Profession: Olympic medal winning swimmer
Tom says: ‘Now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing’
Nick Knowles
Age: 61
Profession: TV presenter
Nick says: ‘I am going to really go for it I will throw myself at it 100 per cent!’
JB Gill
Age: 37
Profession: Singer
JB says: ‘A lot of the ballroom styles are very alien to me – I didn’t do those dances growing up. I am not a trained dancer.’
Wynne Evans
Age: 52
Profession: Opera singer, presenter
Wynne says: ‘The stuff I’m nervous about is the ones that involve jumping, I don’t really want to do the jive, I’m nervous about that.
Tasha Ghouri
Age: 25
Profession: Model and reality star
Tasha says: ‘I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it’s a firm Ghouri family favourite – so this is a total dream come true.’
Sarah Hadland
Age: 53
Profession: Actress
Sarah says: ‘I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year.’
Jamie Borthwick
Age: 30
Profession: EastEnders star
Jamie says: ‘I had a ball doing the Christmas special, so when I was asked to join it was the easiest yes!’
Sam Quek
Age: 35
Profession: Former GB hockey player and presenter
Sam says: ‘I am so relieved it is out there now it has been hard to keep a secret! The rumours were spreading and I had to lie! I am used to dancing on a girls night out but I will give it my all’
Paul Merson
Age: 56
Profession: Former footballer
Paul says: ‘I won’t worry about it until it starts but when it does I will be nervous – I have only danced three times in my life!’