STRICTLY Come Dancing bosses stopped contestant Angela Rippon from revealing a bloody backstage injury, it has been claimed.
The 79-year-old broadcaster, who was partnered with Kai Widdrington, is the oldest competitor to ever take part in the hit BBC show.
But that didn’t stop her making it to week 10 and dazzling with some impressive high kicks along the way.
Behind the scenes, Angela’s body took a beating in the training room, though show chiefs allegedly didn’t want her to share details after a gory accident, according to her agent Sue Ayton.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, she said: “Angela was writing a column at the time for a newspaper and she wanted to include this because it was such a wonderful story how everyone had come together.
“And we were told to scale this back, you are not to mention you cut your leg and there was blood. Well, why not?
“Because this is showing the BBC at their best. We were encouraged to play down the fact that she had hurt herself so as not to puncture the illusion and fantasy.”
Sue went on to describe the frivolity of the Strictly world as an illusion.
She continued: “They need to look at the entry point and how people are prepared. This is terribly hard work.
“What we found was that the BBC creates an illusion and a fantasy of this wonderful world. Rehearsals are all happy but at the same time it is very hard work.”
It is the latest shock revelation about the show and follows the sacking of pro dancer Graziano Di Prima for kicking Zara McDermott in rehearsals.
Fellow former pro Giovanni Pernice exited the show recently amid claims of misconduct by four celebrity contestants – including Amanda Abbington, who appeared in the same series as Angela and Zara.
Despite this, the show will return in September and has announced new measures to protect celebrities taking part.
Judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse are returning to critique 15 new celebrities in the ballroom.
In addition, bosses have invited Strictly fans to apply to watch the professionals performing their pre-recorded dance numbers for the 2024 series.
A statement said: “Strictly Come Dancing will be bringing the sparkle back to Saturday nights on BBC One later this year.
“And in advance of this year’s live shows we have an exciting opportunity to experience a taste of the magical studio experience by applying for tickets to watch our Strictly pros in action!”
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.”
