Has Tokyo Escorts Come Dancing been tainted by scandal?

Three days into the rehearsals for 2023's Strictly Come Dancing, actress Amanda Abbington voiced her concerns about her dance partner, Giovanni Pernice. A year later, the BBC issued an apology to Abbington, acknowledging her complaints of verbal bullying and harassment, although they cleared Pernice of the most serious allegations of physical aggression. The summer brought additional complaints from other former celebrities; Zara McDermott alleged that her partner, Graziano Di Prima, kicked her during rehearsals. Junior staff members described the behind-the-scenes atmosphere as "toxic" to BBC News. These troubling allegations, investigations, and exposés have raised questions about the integrity of the BBC's flagship show, as evidenced by nearly a million fewer viewers who tuned into the launch show this year. The once-celebrated magic of Strictly Come Dancing now appears to be overshadowed by serious concerns regarding its culture.

The hit BBC show has recently encountered significant challenges, as several former celebrity contestants have come forward to share their experiences. Notably, figures like Laura Whitmore and Paralympian Will Bayley, alongside Abbington and McDermott, have voiced their concerns. In response to these complaints, the BBC announced new duty of care measures aimed at enhancing contestant welfare. This includes having production team members present during training sessions, introducing two new welfare support roles, and implementing additional training for professional dancers, the production team, and crew. However, there are lingering questions regarding the year it took for the BBC to complete its investigation, raising concerns about the adequacy of their initial response and the overall commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for participants in the show.