{"id":55099,"date":"2024-07-22T16:26:46","date_gmt":"2024-07-22T14:26:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=2075952"},"modified":"2024-07-22T17:16:19","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T15:16:19","slug":"bbc-issues-statement-after-will-bayley-criticises-treatment-on-strictly","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/bbc-issues-statement-after-will-bayley-criticises-treatment-on-strictly\/","title":{"rendered":"BBC issues statement after Will Bayley criticises treatment on Strictly"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Paralympian sustained a knee injury during training for the show. <\/p>

By James Hibbs\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 22 July 2024 at 14:26 PM<\/p>

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The BBC has issued a statement after former contestant and Paralympian Will Bayley criticised the way he was treated when appearing on Strictly Come Dancing<\/a> in 2019.<\/p>\n

Bayley, who was paired up with Janette Manrara on the series, suffered a knee injury in rehearsals for the show. He has now claimed in an interview with The Sun<\/a> that \u201ceveryone assured\u201d him a jump off a high table \u201cwould be fine\u201d, despite both he and his coach saying he couldn\u2019t do jumps.<\/p>\n

He said that in the aftermath of his injury, there was a paramedic on set and he was \u201ctaken to a hotel room and given ice\u201d.<\/p>\n

Bayley continued: \u201cI was in agony all night calling my mum. I don\u2019t know why I wasn\u2019t taken to hospital. The following morning, I went to the physio room and they strapped my knee up. I felt like Strictly didn\u2019t want me to go to hospital at the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said that he will \u201cnever get over that injury\u201d, claiming that he was \u201cmade to feel lucky to be on the show and less important than other celebrities\u201d.<\/p>\n

Speaking specifically about his relationship with Manrara, he added: \u201cUltimately, I think she was under a lot of pressure by the bosses to perform a certain way and I think it was them pushing me that caused the accident.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was a passionate teacher and she was part of the decision to do the jump. I feel she could have protected me more, but I didn\u2019t have an issue with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Will\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Will Bayley and Janette Manrara on Strictly Come Dancing<\/span><\/figcaption> BBC<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

When approached by RadioTimes.com<\/a>, a BBC spokesperson said in a statement: \u201cWe have longstanding protocols for dealing with injuries if they occur and that includes contestants receiving all necessary treatment and support as required.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition, a spokesperson for Manrara said: \u201cJanette had a great time dancing with Will and one of her favourite moments on the show was doing their contemporary couples choice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer celebrity partner\u2019s safety and enjoyment was always the priority throughout her time on Strictly. Janette has never received any complaints and has maintained friendships with all her partners, including Will.\u201d<\/p>

Bayley\u2019s criticism comes after Strictly professional dancer Giovanni Pernice denied allegations of \u201cabusive or threatening behaviour\u201d<\/a> towards former dance partners following tabloid reports of a BBC investigation.<\/p>\n

Another professional on the show, Graziano Di Prima, has also explained that he \u201cdeeply regrets\u201d events that led to his own departure<\/a>\u00a0from the new season, saying his \u201cintense passion and determination to win\u201d may have affected his \u201ctraining regime\u201d.<\/p>\n

One of the show\u2019s judges, Craig Revel Horwood, has said the recent allegations are \u201ca shock and news to [him]\u201d<\/a>, adding: \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

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