Strictly Come Dancing’s plan to put a member of the production staff in all future rehearsals following complaints about the behaviour of two former pros during training has been given zero points by Sir Vince Cable, who was the second politician to appear on the hit BBC show.
‘It’s just unnecessary,’ the former Cabinet minister tells me at Chorleywood Library in Hertfordshire, where he gave a talk about his new book, How to Be a Politician. ‘It takes away the spontaneity.’
‘I don’t know who came up with this idea. It’s an over-reaction to what may have been one or two genuine problems.’
The Liberal Democrat grandee, who still enjoys ballroom dancing at the age of 81, appeared on Strictly’s Christmas Special in 2010 while he was Business Secretary in the Coalition government.
He’s ‘very surprised’ by the misconduct allegations, adding that he had a ‘very good relationship’ with his dance partner, Erin Boag.
Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable (pictured) branded the BBC’s plans to put a member of production staff in all future rehearsals for Strictly Come Dancing as ‘unnecessary’
Sir Vince Cable (right) said he had a ‘very good relationship’ with his dance partner Erin Boag (left) when he appeared on Strictly’s Christmas Special in 2010
In recent days, Graziano Di Prima, 30, was axed from the upcoming series over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during last year’s competition.
Addressing his exit from the show, a ‘devastated’ Di Prima wrote on Instagram over the weekend: ‘I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.’
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It came just weeks after Giovanni Pernice, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celeb partners.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, said: ‘Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act.
‘Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals.
‘The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production.’
Now, bosses have announced that they would be introducing ‘additional steps to strengthen welfare and support on Strictly Come Dancing.’
Graziano Di Prima (right) has been axed from the upcoming series over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott (left) during last year’s competition
Giovanni Pernice (left) is suspended while a BBC probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington (right) and two other former celeb partners
A statement from the corporation said: ‘Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals.
‘The actions we announce today are designed to address that.’
The new measures include 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.