STRICTLY contestants have been silenced by their watertight contracts which prevents them from bad-mouthing the show, a former BBC star says.
The show, which has run for 20 series, has been hit by claims of abuse by two pro stars, Italians Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
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Former BBC journalist Fi Glover says contractual agreements may have stopped many more celebs from speaking out.
Times Radio presenter Fi, 55, who worked at the Beeb for 29 years, revealed: “They sign a contract that means that they show Strictly in a very positive way.
“I think it’s been incredibly difficult for contestants to say things that we now realise they should have been able to say — which is that they were made to feel uncomfortable. And in these cases which are now emerging, there was really nasty physical and verbal abuse going on.”
Actress Amanda Abbington, 50, claims she was mistreated by Giovanni, 33. He denies the accusations.
Graziano, 30, has been sacked after his dance partner Zara McDermott, 27, complained that he physically attacked and verbally abused her.
And we can reveal the pro dancer is currently working as a farm labourer in Sicily — and has told pals he is “mentally shot”.
A source said: “It’s an astonishing fall from grace.”
The Rev Richard Coles, 62, who competed in 2017, suggested such behaviour was known about.
He said: “I remember somebody who worked on the show for years and years once telling me, ‘Strictly is a wonderful show with a dark heart’.
“I’ve spoken to contestants and also professionals about it. And I think no one has been surprised that this stuff has surfaced.”
Dame Esther Rantzen, 84, who danced in 2004, said: “The only worry I have is why it took so long for these complaints to surface.
“I’m sure the steps they’ve taken will be effective, but they do need to ask themselves why nobody dares make a complaint when things go wrong.”
The BBC says a production team member will now be at all rehearsals, and welfare producers are being hired.
A BBC spokesperson insisted: “This is not true. There is nothing to stop contestants raising concerns about their experience on the show.”