STRICTLY Come Dancing’s former professional Kristina Rihanoff has suggested the show’s new chaperone policy won’t work – and will be “one sided.”
It came as the Russian, 46 – who starred on the BBC series for eight years – told of her “heartbreak” at Zara McDermott‘s statement over “physical incident” allegations surrounding Graziano Di Prima.
Italian Graziano, 30, was fired by the BBC following claims he hit, spat at and kicked at his former celebrity partner.
Graziano, who first featured on Strictly in 2018, was axed after the claims against him emerged in the inquiry into fellow show professional Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour towards former star Amanda Abbington.
On Tuesday, Zara broke her silence on Tuesday with a lengthy comment on the alleged “incidents.”
Kristina – who reached the Strictly final with Blue singer Simon Webbe – opened up on the claims and told Wednesday’s Lorraine show: “For someone who worked on the show for eight years, it is very disturbing and very upsetting.
“That statement from Zara for me, as a woman, was heartbreaking that she actually suffered so much stress and abuse.”
She added: “It is never OK. It never in any shape or form should be allowed.
“It’s sad she had to live with that for a year.”
The Sun reported earlier this week how Strictly was in talks to hire chaperones for celebs while they are training for the series.
On Tuesday, the BBC gave more detail on their new duty of care and the drastic new measures to be implemented following the overhaul.
Going forward the BBC says there will be a “production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times”.
There is also plans to “increase existing support with the addition of two new roles on the show dedicated to welfare support – a Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer.”
Yet Kristina, who left the show in 2015, isn’t convinced.
She told show host Lorraine Kelly how during her time on the series, there was a camera crew present for every second of training rehearsals – admitting: “To me, yes you can add a chaperone and another person from production.
“That was the case for all of my eight years – we weren’t allowed to practise without being supervised by a cameraman or by the crew with us.
“They are part of the Strictly crew.”
She then cast doubt on whether another set of eyes was needed and added: “So you can add a chaperone but if the chaperones are coming from the BBC, I feel this may be a little bit one-sided.
“If the cameras are there all the time, you can’t get away from what is filmed.
“There is evidence on the video – I think that should really be plenty.”
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.”
He continued: “While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
He concluded the post: “I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
The world-famous dancer was clearly very impacted by Zara’s statement – in which she admitted she was “scared” to speak out.
She released a statement in full to her Instagram page – which wrapped with her thanking fans for their support.
The documentary maker said: “I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.
“Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.
“I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
“But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.”
Zara insisted that the Strictly production team and everyone behind the scenes were “amazing to work with”.
However she added that her “experience inside the training room was very different” and said: “There were witnesses to some events as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.”
Zara signed off: “I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara.”
