EDWINA Currie has slammed the use of chaperones to protect Strictly stars after a bullying row engulfed the show.
Graziano Di Prima and Graziano Pernice have been sacked following alleged shocking behaviour during rehearsals.
A third pro has been named as a person of interest in an ongoing invetstigation at the BBC.
And Richard Madeley has claimed industry insiders knew about the abuse behind the scenes “for years”.
On Tuesday the BBC officially announced a raft of new measures to protect the stars taking part in this year’s competition.
Executives said each Strictly pairing will be accompanied by a chaperone at all times.
Edwina, who was the first to be booted off Strictly in 2011, thinks a chaperone would put a stop to the ‘Strictly curse‘.
She reacted: “The thought of having chaperones in every rehearsal fills me with dread.
“I mean, you won’t be able to flirt.
“You know, what’s going to happen to those sort of little glances that make all those special arrangements…”
Wading in on the crisis, she added to Times Radio: “It used to be a programme of entertainment.
“It used to be a programme in which you’d have all sorts of clowns like me, like John Sergeant, like Ann Widdecombe.
“They were never going to dance, but they were going to be entertaining and fun to watch. And the public would tend to vote for them.
“If it’s going to be more entertaining, then they have to choose a different kind of teacher.
“The professionals have to be well aware that actually this is not a dance competition. This is weekend entertainment that brings in the BBC a lot of money.
“And it has to be not just wholesome, but fun. And everyone’s got to look as if they’re enjoying it and actually enjoying it.
“Then towards the end, you get two or three of the younger people who are really good at it working really hard. They can be the winners. That’s fine. We all wish them well.”
SUSANNAH Constantine has rowed back on her support for Graziano Di Prima - but what happened?
The What Not To Wear anchor uploaded a message of support for the Italian on her Instagram page.
It came after the allegations of “physical incidents” with his former dance partner Zara McDermott were revealed.
Susannah, 62, who was partnered with Anton du Beke on the show in 2018, posted in support of Graziano on Instagram statement after he issued his own statement.
She wrote: “What the hell??? You were always so sweet, kind, funny an thoughtful to me Graziano.
“Be true to yourself. Cream always rises to the top. Loads of love xxxxx.”
Now the BBC star has deleted the message after a slew of fan complaints.
