STRICTLY New Come Dancing contestants have been told to call a helpline if they witness bad behavior at rehearsals.
BBC bosses have told “rehearsal room researchers” to call senior staff immediately if there is inappropriate behavior involving a professional dancer and a famous person partner.
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This happened after actress Amanda Abbington complained last year that Giovanni Pernice bullied her and misbehaved during training sessions.
Another professional dancer, Graziano Di Prima, 30, was kicked out of the show amid claims he punched, kicked and spat at former Made in Chelsea star Zara McDermott, 27, last year.
Attendants are tasked with keeping a log in the practice room for eight hours a day, four days a week during the 20th Anniversary Series.
It started on BBC1 last night as the latest dance partnerships were confirmed.
We revealed that 15 people have been employed to monitor, and a source said: “They were told to record positive moments in rehearsals and anything that might be questionable.
“However, it was emphasized that if anything untoward happens, the helpline should be called immediately to ensure any wrongdoing is dealt with immediately.”
The source added: “It will also be protocol for the researchers to move between the different training rooms so they don’t become too friendly with professional dancers and celebrities.”
Meanwhile, Giovanni, 34, posed yesterday with his new dance partner – Italian actress Bianca Guaccero, 43 – after it was revealed he will be joining the Italian version, Ballando con le Stelle.
It was revealed in June that he would not be returning to Strictly after we first revealed tensions between him and Sherlock star Amanda, 52, who quit saying she had been diagnosed with PTSD.
A report from the Beeb is expected any day into an investigation into complaints from several of his former celebrity dance partners – claims he vehemently denies.
The corporation has been contacted for comment.
Partners revealed
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STRICTLY Come Dancing kicked off its 20th anniversary series by announcing the pairings last night.
Hosts Tess Daly (55) and Claudia Winkleman (52) introduced 15 celebrities and their partners who will compete for the glittering ball.
DIY SOS host Nick Knowles, 61, partnered Luba Mushtuk, 34, while Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, 26, was paired with returning pro Aljaž Škorjanec, 34.
This is the first time in four years that there are no same-sex couples.
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AMANDA’S KRISH AID
Hannah Hope exclusive
KRISHNAN Guru-Murthy gave evidence in support of Amanda Abbington in the Giovanni Pernice inquiry.
In addition to the 50-year-old actress, a 54-year-old Channel 4 reader participated in last year’s series.
A source said: “Krishnan always likes to stand up for what’s right and was happy to give evidence.”
Amanda complained about the behavior of her professional partner Giovanni, 34, after she quit early. The BBC did not release its findings before last night’s launch show.
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