Is Strictly Come Dancing In Trouble?

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In what should be a celebratory 20th year for Strictly Come Dancing, the show instead is marred in controversy with allegations of misconduct in rehearsal spaces and around training methods. How has one of the BBC’s crown jewels ended up here, and what does it’s future hold? Elsewhere, BBC radio is facing criticism with a proposed spin-off of a Radio 2 oldies station plus Marina & Richard go through a recent list from the New York Times on the top 100 books of the 21st century.

Inside this Episode

Introduction and Hosts:
- The podcast episode is hosted by Marina Hyde and Richard Osman.
- Discussion centres around the controversy surrounding Strictly Come Dancing and abuse claims.
Background of the Controversy:
- Amanda Abbington, an actress, abruptly left Strictly Come Dancing during the last series, citing mild PTSD.
- Her departure raised questions about the training methods used by her professional dance partner, Giovanni Pernice.
- The situation escalated as former contestants Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh also spoke to the BBC, contributing to an investigation into the matter.
- Zara McDermott, a former Love Island contestant, was also mentioned, with disturbing footage from rehearsal rooms being reviewed by the BBC.
BBC Investigation and Response:
- Giovanni Pernice has been dismissed from the upcoming season for gross misconduct.
- Zara McDermott initially hesitated to speak out due to fear of public backlash, but eventually released a statement addressing her concerns.
Public and Media Reaction:
- The scandal has sparked debate, with some defending the tough nature of the show and others criticizing the harsh treatment of participants.
- The discussion highlights the intense and often brutal training that professional dancers undergo, which is normalized within the performing arts and athletics.
Cultural Shift in the Show:
- Strictly Come Dancing has evolved over time, becoming more competitive and professionalized, reflecting broader societal changes.
- The show, which started as a fun, amateur competition, now showcases a much higher level of technical skill, leading to more intense training and pressures.
Broader Implications:
- The podcast touches on the broader cultural phenomenon where activities that were once amateur and fun have become highly competitive and performance-driven, influenced by social media and the pursuit of perfection.
Potential Changes to the Show:
- The BBC is likely to introduce psychological evaluations for participants in response to the scandal.
- Some suggest the show might need to incorporate more transparency about the challenges and difficulties behind the scenes to address these issues.
Public Perception and Future of the Show:
- There are calls to potentially pause the show, but the hosts argue against it, emphasizing the show’s positive impact and cultural significance.
- They discuss the challenge of balancing the show’s joyful, uplifting image with the reality of the demanding environment behind the scenes.