Former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe, who took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, shared a few strong words about the recent allegations
Ann Widdecombe comments on Strictly as she defends pro
Former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe shared her harsh thoughts on the Strictly Come Dancing allegations and questioned why the stars don’t ‘call a halt’ in rehearsals when dancers are treating them badly.
Italian professional dancer Graziano Di Prima was recently dropped from the 2024 line-up last week over abuse allegations, with his 2023 partner Zara McDermott – who he reportedly kicked, hit and spat at – issuing a statement on Tuesday morning about her time on the show.
His exit follows Giovanni Pernice quitting the series amid a complaint from his 2023 partner Amanda Abbington regarding his strict training routines. With the BBC dance competition in hot water over their professional dancers, Ann – who took part in the series in 2010 – shared her two cents.
During her appearance on the Jeremy Vine Show on Channel 5, Ann defended the pros and said the stars should be able to stand up for themselves. She firmly declared: “It’s pathetic, if they can’t say, you know what, their professional is treating them in a way. Why didn’t she simply call a halt and say, until you behave better, I am not going on with this, and if you’ve got a problem, you go and you tell the producers what you’re doing, why didn’t she do that?”
Ann went on to say that everything ‘that you do when you are training is ‘filmed and recorded’ and added that there are usually several people in the room during rehearsals, such as a sound and camera person.
She added: “The second thing is, amazingly as it may appear, it is the celebrity who’s in control. You can say, sorry, I can’t do any more today,” before sharing her strong opinions on the celebrities, asking them why ‘they didn’t take action’.
Graziano expressed his regret on Saturday (July 13) as news of his Strictly exit broke, with the Italian dancer stating that he “deeply regrets” what happened that led to his departure, as the BBC announced he wouldn’t be returning for the 2024 series. In a heartfelt Instagram post shortly after the news hit the headlines in a national paper, Graziano addressed his fans: “While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s only right for the sake of the show that I step away.”
He continued: “I am saddened that I wasn’t allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation. There’s more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.”
It was claimed that he was shown the door by the BBC on Monday (July 8) evening following claims of inappropriate behaviour towards his 2023 dance partner, Zara.
The Jeremy Vine Show airs Monday-Friday from 9am on Channel 5
Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.
