PREVIEW

BBC boss apologises for Strictly Come Dancing scandal. While speaking to journalists at the launch of the BBC's Annual Report, Tim Davie addressed the ongoing scandal surrounding the popular dancing show. ”I'm very sorry that anyone has had an experience on Strictly that hasn't been wholly positive.That is something we do reflect on and I am sorry about that." Tim Davie / BBC News / Deadline. Davie also admitted that he was "disappointed" to hear complaints from several celebrity contestants about the professional dancers' alleged behaviour in the rehearsal room. Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima will not appear in this year's series due to allegations against them. Pernice has denied "any accusations of abusive or threatening behaviour” while di Prima admitted to kicking reality star Zara McDermott during training. ”There will be a degree of competitiveness and will to do well, but there are limits and the line should never be crossed. We never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind." Tim Davie / BBC News / Deadline. Davie added the BBC "could have done more" with "the benefit of hindsight", especially regarding "oversight in the training rooms”. Last week, it was announced that a member of production staff will be in all rehearsals in the future. ”The measures we have taken I believe are appropriate and fair in terms of training rooms having oversight and that people can have a positive experience." Tim Davie / BBC News / Deadline. Davie also confirmed that the show will return later this year for its 20th-anniversary edition. ”I am assured by robust actions we have made that we are in a positive place to deliver a very good season this year and that has been my focus. We have a brilliant line-up this year who I'm sure are itching to get going and you will be hearing more about this in the coming weeks." Tim Davie / BBC News / Deadline. The celebrity contestants are expected to be unveiled next month.
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