JUDGE Rob Rinder has admitted he had a “different experience from female contestants” as he opened up on the scandal surrounding Strictly Come Dancing.
The ITV presenter, who battled for the Glitterball Trophy in 2016, addressed off-screen experiences around the BBC show on Thursday’s Lorraine show.
It comes after Strictly Come Dancing professional Graziano Di Prima, 30, was fired by the BBC following claims he hit, spat at and kicked former celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals.
Graziano, who started out on Strictly in 2018, was accused of “physical incidents” towards the Love Island alumni.
At the end of Rob, 46, and Lorraine Kelly‘s interview, which mainly surrounded his new TV show Britain Behind Bars, they chatted about the “more competitive” nature of Strictly in recent years.
He said: “During the course of Strictly I appreciated and realised I was having a different experience from some of the women contestants,” to which host Lorraine replied: “Ah, that’s interesting.”
He continued: “I was in a car with Laura Whitmore and she was on the way to It Takes Two [Strictly spin off show] and there I was putting on my pyjama bottoms and saying ‘I desperately want to win.’
“Doing my various forms of ‘ex face’ as Craig Revel-Horwood [judge] called my Cha Cha at the tine, thinking ‘isn’t this the most marvellous thing in the world?'”
He added: “Except then there was quite a serious moment as I realised that Laura and other of the female contestants – it’s changed a little bit but it’s still the same thing – people are commenting about what they wear, are they in a sexual relationship with their partner.
“And when you’re experiencing the overwhelming glitter and 10million people watching it I think it can be pretty overwhelming.
“That, and the fact it’s become slightly more competitive.”
During his time on the show, he was partnered with Oksana Platero, who has since left the series.
He was eliminated in week 11 after scoring 31 points dancing a Samba to Jersey Boys track Oh, What a Night.
Meanwhile, the rumblings around the show chaos continue.
Graziano was fired after the claims against him emerged in the inquiry into fellow show professional Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour towards former star Amanda Abbington.
Giovanni also quit the show earlier this year and is under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners.
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.”
Meanwhile, The Sun exclusively revealed a third Strictly show star has been hailed a “person of interest” as the star’s name is given to lawyers.
Graziano has now re-located overseas to start a new life on a farm in Sicily after releasing a statement on his sacking.
Zara has also spoken out on the incident in an emotional Instagram post – and now says she has her sights set on the future with her TV career.
