Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Will Bayley has spoken out about the lasting impact his time on the show had on him, revealing that he still suffers from injuries to this day. The Paralympian, who appeared on the show in 2019, shared that he was left in “horrific pain” after a jump rehearsal with his professional partner Janette Manrara.
Despite expressing concerns about the jump and his coach warning the show that he couldn’t do jumps, Bayley was encouraged to go through with it. The result was a serious injury that forced him to leave the series in week seven.
Bayley’s experience sheds light on the challenges faced by contestants on the popular dance competition show. His story joins a growing list of celebrities who have spoken out about negative experiences on the show, including Zara McDermott and Amanda Abbington.
The lack of proper care and support following his injury has left Bayley feeling neglected by the BBC, with his request for compensation being denied. Despite undergoing reconstructive knee surgery and struggling with depression, Bayley remains resilient and determined to share his story.
As the conversation around contestant safety and well-being on Strictly Come Dancing continues, Bayley’s account serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of all participants on reality TV shows.
