Margaret Chrystall
Updated on: October 11, 2024 10:05 am GMT
As the 20th season of BBC’s beloved dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing, approaches, participant Nick Knowles emphasized the critical importance of addressing contestant concerns. His statements come in light of recent allegations made by former contestants regarding their treatment on the show, sparking discussions about the measures being implemented to enhance participant welfare and safety.
Nick Knowles Advocates for Contestant Voices
Knowles, known for his role in DIY SOS, is one of 15 celebrities involved in this year’s series, which premieres later this month. In the wake of controversies surrounding former contestants, including Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott, both of whom shared their negative experiences, Knowles stressed that it is vital for complaints to be heard and acknowledged. “It’s important that people are listened to, and they have been, so that seems to me all good,” he stated during a recent press event for the show.
Enhancements to Participant Welfare
Other contestants echoed Knowles’s sentiments regarding the improvements made to participant welfare. The BBC announced new measures aimed at ensuring contestants feel safe and supported during their time on the show. These measures, which include the introduction of chaperones in all rehearsals, were outlined earlier this year in response to the allegations.
Toyah Willcox, an iconic pop star from the 1980s, assured attendees that the show’s team had taken extensive steps to create a nurturing environment for this season. “We have people with us all the time,” she mentioned. “We have an openness that we can talk immediately if we have any concerns.” Willcox reassured that while the contestants are fully committed to the competition, their well-being remains a priority.
In a similar vein, former Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri highlighted the importance of moving beyond past issues. “It’s about our own experiences really,” she remarked, emphasizing the significance of a supportive atmosphere as they navigate the challenges of the competition.
Inclusivity and Accessibility in the New Season
Among the noteworthy contestants this year is Chris McCausland, the show’s first blind participant. He acknowledged that he signed up for the show unaware of the recent allegations, incorporating humor into his experience by mentioning that the introduction of chaperones is “an extra person to show me where the toilet is.”
The 2024 lineup includes a diverse mix of celebrities, such as actor Shayne Ward and Olympic hockey player Sam Quek, all of whom are currently engaging in intensive training. Quek described her experience as “overwhelming,” adding that she occasionally struggles to remember dance routines. “It’s the first time I’ve had mind blanks,” she explained.
Paul Merson, a former professional footballer, shared how challenging he finds the competition. “There have been a couple of dances today which are hard, I’m not going to lie,” he confessed. Meanwhile, McCausland humorously stated that without the ability to see the others dance, he often assumes he is the only one making mistakes, seeking reassurance from his fellow participants.
Addressing Past Controversies
This year’s series comes amid ongoing investigations related to previous allegations of a “toxic culture” surrounding Strictly Come Dancing. Notable figures such as Giovanni Pernice, whose former dance partner made serious claims against him, will not return to the show. Pernice has publicly denied the allegations of abusive behavior, while another professional dancer, Graziano Di Prima, has exited the show due to unrelated incidents during rehearsals.
Despite these controversies, many new contestants remain optimistic about the show’s direction. JB Gill, a participant with prior experience in the competition, voiced that these incidents did not alter his view of the show, recognizing that they may be isolated events rather than indicative of a systemic issue. “While of course in those situations they all have their own validity, I just feel like we’re going into it, it’s a unique situation,” Gill remarked.
Promoting Access and Inclusivity
Strictly Come Dancing is making efforts to be more accessible this year, introducing live signing for the first time available on BBC iPlayer and the red button service. Ghouri, advocating for the deaf community, expressed her support for enhancing accessibility within the program. “It’s so great that they’re working so hard to make it accessible for everyone,” she said. Her sentiments reflect a broader commitment to inclusivity, particularly as she follows former champion Rose Ayling-Ellis as the second deaf contestant on the show.
As training continues, contestants prepare for what has been described as an intense yet rewarding journey. Tom Dean, a three-time Olympic champion who inadvertently revealed his participation, noted the competitive nature of the experience. “You’re still training hard, you’ve still got a competition you’re trying to work for, and you want to do well,” he stated.
A Bright Start to a Milestone Season
With the launch show set to air on September 14, the anticipation around this year’s Strictly Come Dancing is palpable. Despite the shadows of past controversies, contestants, producers, and fans alike are hopeful that this season will signify a fresh start, marked by improved welfare protocols and an inclusive environment for all participants.
As the show gets ready to celebrate its big anniversary, it wants to impress everyone with amazing dance moves and also create a friendly and respectful space for all the contestants. This year’s success will rely on everyone working together, learning from what happened before, and making sure everyone feels good and cared for.
