{"id":55093,"date":"2024-07-21T14:13:36","date_gmt":"2024-07-21T12:13:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=2075522"},"modified":"2024-07-22T14:23:29","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T12:23:29","slug":"strictlys-craig-revel-horwood-has-his-say-on-shows-future-after-shock-claims","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/strictlys-craig-revel-horwood-has-his-say-on-shows-future-after-shock-claims\/","title":{"rendered":"Strictly\u2019s Craig Revel Horwood has his say on show\u2019s future after \u201cshock\u201d claims"},"content":{"rendered":"

“I love it, so I wouldn’t want anything to jeopardise that.” <\/p>

By Christian Tobin\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Sunday, 21 July 2024 at 12:13 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Craig Revel Horwood has spoken of his \u201cshock\u201d at hearing about the recent claims surrounding Strictly Come Dancing<\/a> \u2013 but insisted he doesn\u2019t think the show\u2019s future is under threat.<\/p>\n

Earlier this year, Giovanni Pernice denied allegations of \u201cabusive or threatening behaviour\u201d<\/a>\u00a0towards former dance partners following tabloid reports of a BBC investigation, while last week Graziano Di Prima explained that he \u201cdeeply regrets\u201d the events that led to his own departure<\/a> from the new season, saying his \u201cintense passion and determination to win\u201d may have affected his \u201ctraining regime\u201d.<\/p>\n

Now, long-time judge Horwood has revealed that he was unaware of any complaints about professional dancers and he found out about the allegations \u201cthrough the press\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a shock and news to me,\u201d he told BBC Radio Wales\u2019s Lucy Owen<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe judges are never present at any of the teaching and we literally come in on a Saturday and just judge what we see before us.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re kept very, very separate to the rest of the company, so for us it\u2019s complete news. Every day I read about something and think, \u2018That can\u2019t be right\u2026’\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Amanda\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing.<\/span><\/figcaption> BBC\/Guy Levy<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

When asked if he\u2019s worried about the future of the beloved BBC ballroom show, he added: \u201cI don\u2019t think so, because it\u2019s one of those shows that belongs in the people\u2019s hearts at home who love dancing, and there\u2019s nothing better than seeing someone come from nothing and work hard and move up to being absolutely phenomenal.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a beautiful show to be involved in and I\u2019m very proud of it. I love it, so I wouldn\u2019t want anything to jeopardise that.\u201d<\/p>\n

It follows a number of high-profile allegations concerning the show, with actress and former Strictly star Amanda Abbington previously claiming in an interview<\/a> with The Mail on Sunday<\/a> that \u201cGiovanni is nasty\u201d and that \u201che was awful to a few of us\u201d.<\/p>\n

Speaking to The Sun on Sunday<\/a> this weekend, she added: \u201cI had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show.\u201d<\/p>

In a statement, Pernice\u2019s spokesperson said:\u00a0\u201cGiovanni refutes these allegations and denies any accusations of abusive or threatening behaviour.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has provided substantive evidence to the investigation and he remains fully confident of clearing his name.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, documentarian Zara McDermott \u2013 who took part in last year\u2019s Strictly with Di Prima \u2013 opened up about \u201cdistressing\u201d incidents in the training room.<\/p>\n

She wrote: \u201cI have wrestled with the fear of opening up \u2013 I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming. But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I\u2019ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Zara\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima on Strictly Come Dancing.<\/span><\/figcaption> BBC\/Guy Levy<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Di Prima said in a statement on social media: \u201cWhile there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can\u2019t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future. I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.\u201d<\/p>\n

In response to the reports, the BBC has previously said: \u201cAnyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process. If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint \u2013 that applies to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many of those who have taken part, we will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n