Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Kristina Rihanoff has voiced her support for the BBC’s decision to provide stars with chaperones during rehearsals, following complaints about two fellow dancers on the show.
In an interview with BBC News, Rihanoff expressed her belief that the new measures would make celebrities “feel a little bit more comfortable” signing up for the show. She described rehearsals as “frustrating” and “pressurised,” and emphasized the importance of having someone present to observe and intervene in challenging situations.
The show has been embroiled in controversy surrounding former dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima. Pernice has denied allegations of abusive behavior, while Di Prima’s spokesman admitted to a mistake involving kicking a celebrity partner during rehearsals.
In response to the allegations, the BBC announced the introduction of chaperones and dedicated welfare producers for future rehearsals. Rihanoff, who appeared on the show from 2008-2015, described the new measures as “better now than never.”
Reflecting on her time on Strictly, Rihanoff acknowledged the challenges of the intense and pressurized environment, particularly as couples approached the finals. She stressed the importance of remaining professional and handling frustrations in a constructive manner.
The controversy has led to both Pernice and Di Prima being excluded from this year’s lineup. Other former contestants, such as Rev Richard Coles, have expressed support for the introduction of chaperones, recognizing the intimate and physical nature of the relationships between dancers and celebrities.
While the allegations have cast a shadow over the show’s 20th anniversary year, BBC executives have emphasized their commitment to addressing any issues and ensuring the welfare of all participants. The upcoming celebrity lineup for this year’s series is expected to be revealed soon, with hopes of moving past the controversy and focusing on the positive aspects of the show.
