BBC DG Apologizes For ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Scandal; Says This Year’s Contestants Are “Itching To Get Going”

deadline.com:

The boss of the BBC has apologized for the Strictly Come Dancing scandal, saying “with the benefit of hindsight we should have done more” but positing that this year’s contestants are “itching to get going.” Tim Davie was asked mounds of questions by journalists about the scandal, the current review into allegations, duty of care procedures and the upcoming season during the Q&A session of today’s BBC Annual Report. “I’m very sorry that anyone has had an experience on Strictly that hasn’t been wholly positive,” he said. “That is something we do reflect on and I am sorry about that.” Two dancers have exited Strictly in recent weeks amid its biggest crisis in the juggernaut’s 20-year history, which has caused a tightening of protocols that will now see all rehearsals policed by a member of production staff.

Graziano Di Prima left after it was reported that he had kicked former partner Zara McDermott. Giovanni Pernice, meanwhile, will not take part in this year’s show after allegations of inappropriate conduct from Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, which he denies.

The Sun reported last week that a third dancer is being probed, while another former contestant, British Paralympian table tennis player Will Bayley, has been speaking out about a “horrific” injury he sustained on the show.

Davie said he was “disappointed” when he heard about the allegations. “I am editor in chief of this organization,” he added. “We care about duty of care and want people to have a positive experience.