STRICTLY’S Ola Jordan has been accused of bullying Steve Backshall and branded “cold, rude and tough”.
Steve, 51, reportedly lodged a complaint with the BBC in 2014 about his show partner, 41, claiming he found the practice sessions gruelling and difficult to endure.
These bullying allegations have resurfaced during a turbulent period for the show, which is currently facing various abuse scandals and a misconduct investigation.
Insiders now say that the series is “fatally tarnished”.
Professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, 30, was dropped from the upcoming series following reports that he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, 27, last year.
This follows the suspension of another pro, Giovanni Pernice, 33, over off-camera misconduct claims made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celebrity partners, which he denies.
But, as early as 2014, there were claims of bullying when Steve appeared on the show.
Following his complaint, he and Ola were assigned a chaperone after he refused to be alone with the Polish dancer, MailOnline reports.
The programme’s bosses intervened after Steve alleged that her “rude and impatient” manner had undermined his confidence.
A source close to the show explained at the time: “Steve is a very energetic personality, up for any challenge, but Ola’s harsh treatment has flattened him and made him lose confidence.
“She was very rude and impatient when he struggled to master the shapes for last Saturday’s Charleston.
“Her choreography and tuition were so tough that Steve resorted to asking others for help.
“Ola is a cold and very distant personality, who refuses to mix with Steve’s family and friends.”
It is understood that Steve complained directly to a Strictly producer after their Halloween-themed Charleston.
Following this, bosses called Ola in for a meeting and agreed that she and Steve would be accompanied at all times while they remained in the competition.
At the time, Steve spoke about the physical demands of the series.
He told the Daily Mail that he was unable to point the toes of his left foot due to a fused ankle from a near-fatal climbing accident in 2008.
The action star revealed he was in “constant pain” during training and took painkillers every day.
He said: “It has absolutely broken me. You are training all day long on hard wooden floors wearing dance shoes that have no give in them at all, and no cushioning.
“The impact travels straight all the way through my body and I’m just falling apart.”
Steve also mentioned that the constant training affected his social life: “I’m actually a little bit disappointed about the fact I’m supposedly in this incredibly high-profile position and I haven’t even got a minute to see my oldest and dearest friends, let alone to go on a date. So it’s been rubbish for that.
“My dance partner is very, very happily married, so there is certainly no chance of me getting involved like that. And outside of that, not a chance. I have had zero social life.”
A show insider said at the time: “Ola is a strict taskmaster. She sees real potential in Steve and thinks he could go the distance in the competition.
“She won the trophy with Chris Hollins and would love to win again.”
The Sun has contacted Ola’s representatives for comment.
It comes after her husband James Jordan was forced to hit back after a viral clip of him calling his celeb partner Georgina Bouzova “fat” circulated online.
The former show star was seen raging at Georgina as they argued in rehearsals back in 2006.
But James told how he has never had complaints from his Strictly co-stars in eight years of being on the show.
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
Instead he says the comments were made for “entertainment”.
“I strongly suggest that nobody attempts to link this edited BBC VT with the current alleged reports of abusive behaviour taking place behind the scenes by other Strictly professionals,” James wrote in a statement on Instagram.
“There is no comparison to be drawn between those awful allegations and the highly produced and exaggerated VT from the BBC archives that is featuring on social media.”
After being “caught” eating, Georgina is next seen doing sit ups with James shouting: “Come on, come on.”
He added: “To be clear, I deplore bullying or abusiveness in the workplace.”
The professional dancer joked about “having had hair once” as he reflected on the clip from 18 years ago.
He continued: “But I just wanted to reassure you that footage was shot and edited together by the BBC team for transmission on It Takes Two 18 years ago in specific ways for the purposes of ENTERTAINMENT.
“Many of the clips were not related to Georgina at all (they are not allowed to do that these days as it misrepresents what actually happened) but were included for the purpose of exaggeration.
“The BBC thought it would be fun to put this VT together in the way they did.
“You can see Georgina laughing about it in the studio and in the clips… And I have never received ANY complaints from any of my celebrity dance partners in the 8 years I was on the show.
“Obviously if I had genuinely upset anyone, that footage would NEVER have been allowed to be used in that way by the BBC themselves.
“The Producers loved to paint me as the bad guy and I played along…always a perfectionist …but I would never have deliberately upset anyone and pride myself on good friendships with my celebrity dance partners.”
James and actress Georgina were paired up together for the pro dancer’s first stint on Strictly.
The footage of them arguing in rehearsals aired on It Takes Two after they became the fourth James couple to be eliminated.
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.”
