A TOP celebrity agent has claimed Strictly pro dancers ‘FIXED’ show results if they didn’t like their show partner.
Strictly has been thrown into chaos ahead of its 20th anniversary with a BBC probe into misconduct following serious allegations against former professionals Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
Now Melanie Blake – who has represented top TV and soap stars over the years – has opened up about her experiences backstage on the show while her acts were taking part.
Writing on social media, she said: “I wasn’t going to say this but with all these #StrictlyComeDancing revelations spitting opinion I feel it’s time tell you my unbiased experiences of when I was with celebrities I represented who appeared in the show.
“Immediate ageism if the female celeb was over 40 – actively saying they wished they had ‘not got an old one’ and ‘I’ll never get her to the final’ – all within in ear shot of the celeb & me which of course was a massive confidence dent before they’d even began.
“Actively – if they didn’t like the partner they had / believe they would make the final – trying to get voted out as fast as possible so that they then could go and do their own work – i.e. photo shoots and promo about them so effectively ruining the celebs chance.”
A spokesperson for the BBC told The Sun: “We will not be commenting on individuals or engaging in speculation.
“However, as we have said previously we will always listen if people want to make us aware of something or raise it with us directly and we have appropriate procedures and processes in place to manage this.”
Graziano, 30, was axed from the show last week after allegations he “hit, spat at and kicked” former Love Island star Zara McDermott during rehearsals last year.
The claims about Graziano came to light during an investigation launched after actress Amanda Abbington told how she was diagnosed with PTSD after working with Giovanni, 33, during the same series.
The Sun previously revealed how concerns had been raised over Anton Du Beke’s promotion from professional dancer to judge after historic comments made towards Footballers Wives star Laila Rouass in 2009.
Amanda, 50, broke her silence over the scandal at the weekend in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday.
She said: “I found Giovanni’s behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people.
“I know what happened in that room, it’s on video and I have no problem with anyone seeing that. It’s a duty of care that is needed.
“Rehearsal rooms should be a safe space, there is a duty of care and kindness, and that courtesy wasn’t extended to me on this job.”
By PR expert, Nick Ede
THE Strictly Glitterball has been tarnished by the revelations about Graziano and Gio and there is no going back for the show.
With other celebrities making their feelings known daily, this is not how the BBC saw their flagship show going into its next season, celebrating its 20th anniversary.
This dark cloud will forever change the show and all eyes will be on the dancers, the celebrities, their relationships and dynamics.
I am sure, with precautions being made, there will be less spark with the stars and this will, too, be a shame as the chemistry is something the audiences love and talk about.
Strictly is a bright star and one of the biggest shows on the planet. Not only does it bring families together, it has an effect that can be felt UK-wide with people up and down the country tuning in to enjoy it.
Also, it’s important not to tarsnish everyone on the show with the same brush.
Most of the professional dancers have had an impeccable record and it’s a shame to bring up past stars, who are no longer on the show, as well as the current stars who put their life and soul into performing each week.
The BBC has a responsibility and duty of care and, with new infrastructures in place, hopefully the brand will get beyond this and continue giving joy to so many millions of people who view it religiously.
