Strictly Come Dancing has been branded “toxic and cruel” by former production staff who have made allegations about the behind the scenes culture at the hit BBC show.

In another blow to the Beeb, it’s been claimed former staff were subjected to talk of a sexualised nature while working on the show. One former staff member claimed they were asked intrusive questions about their sex life.

In a report by The Observer, another ex staff member is alleged to have witnessed “talented co-workers treated with cruelty” while a third, who worked on the show eight years ago, claimed the workplace at Strictly was “tense, toxic, uncomfortable”.

The alleged complaints go back as far as 2016. A spokesperson for BBC Studios has said in response to the latest allegations: “The welfare of our crews working on each series of Strictly is always of paramount importance to us. We act speedily when any concerns are raised, and we have thorough, effective and longstanding processes to manage them. We do not recognise the claims relating to a negative workplace culture.”

BBC bosses are hoping the impeding report into the bullying probe at Strictly will bring “closure” to the ongoing crisis. It comes after Amanda Abbington was diagnosed with PTSD after being partner with Giovanni Pernice last year.

She accused her former dance partner of being “abusive” – claims which he vehemently denies. This led to the BBC launching an investigation. Graziano Di Prima was subsequently axed from the series after producers were made aware of footage showing the dancing kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott.

Last week, Amanda sat down with Strictly co-star Krishnan Guru-Murthy on Channel 4 News and claimed that some of the “bullying” she was allegedly subjected to was “of a sexual nature”. Sources have now told the Mirror that they’re hoping the results of the bullying probe will “draw a line” under the controversy as the series prepares for its 20th anniversary. A source said: “It’s hoped that matters will be decided before then and everyone can move on, and we can start getting excited about the new names attached to the show instead of it being dogged by controversy.”

BBC are hoping the results of the bullying probe will bring ‘closure’ to the crisis ( 
Image:
PA)
The BBC director general Tim Davie apologised last week to celebrities who have had an experience that “hasn’t been wholly positive”. A source added: “The BBC hope that this report will bring the closure the show desperately needs although truth to be told that is quite an optimistic outlook and the reality could be very different.”

Laura Whitmore has also alleged she was subjected to “inappropriate behaviour” while partnered with Giovanni on Strictly. The Mirror reported on Saturday how Giovanni’s team were encouraged by the fact that Laura’s evidence was not part of the dossier of claims compiled by BBC investigators and put to him for comment.

It’s understood that it was just Amanda’s claims that were laid before the dancer. Laura has claimed this is because she hadn’t made an “official complaint”. Meanwhile, Laila Rouass has defended her former partner Anton Du Beke after the Mirror reported how Anton – who is now a judge on the BBC show – was dragged into the crisis after calling her a “P***” following a spray tan while they were on the show together.

She said: “Unfortunately, my time on the show was scarred by a handful of incidents, some of which were discussed in the press at the time. I would like to address those incidents; Yes, Anton used derogatory words and it was unacceptable. Yes, Anton publicly apologised to me. Above all this, and most importantly, I do not believe Anton is racist or Islamaphobic. If I believed he was, I would have refused to dance with him.

“I wish to make clear, apart from the situation mentioned above, which was dealt with, at absolutely no point was I physically, emotionally, sexually or verbally abused by Anton. At no point did Anton use manipulation or cruelty towards me during rehearsals. At no point did I feel vulnerable in Anton’s presence. Anton was generous, patient and hardworking.” Anton denied he was racist at the time.