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Strictly's Shayne Ward opens up on training with chaperones present after the BBC introduced new duty of care protocols amid bullying and abuse allegations Have YOU got a story? Email [email protected] READ MORE: Full list of claims against Strictly Come Dancing professionals By Carolina Piras For Mailonline and Molly Clayton Showbusiness Correspondent Published: 18:59 EDT, 8 September 2024 | Updated: 19:01 EDT, 8 September 2024 e-mail View comments Shayne Ward has lifted the lid on working with the newly-introduced chaperones on Strictly Come Dancing, amid the ongoing bullying and abuse allegations that have engulfed the show. The Coronation Street star, 39, shared insight into the BBC's new duty of care protocols, as the celebrities and pros prepare for the 20th series, which kicks off on September 14.
Detailing how chaperones have been present during the training sessions, Shayne told MailOnline: 'You can't see them, but they're there. If you ever need them, just call and they're there.' 'If you need that duty of care or if you feel like you need anything, something on your mind or worried about anything, or just have a chat, they're there.
' The singer added: 'They're not on your shoulder, just sat away in a corner.' Shayne Ward has lifted the lid on working with the newly-introduced chaperones on Strictly Come Dancing, amid the ongoing bullying and abuse allegations that have engulfed the show The Coronation Street star, 39, shared insight into the BBC's new duty of care protocols, as the celebrities and pros prepare for the 20th series, which kicks off on September 14 In July BBC bosses announced plans to introduce chaperones during training in all future rehearsals to 'strengthen welfare and support on Strictly Come Dancing'. It came along with the appointment of also two new welfare producers, after Graziano Di Prima's shock sacking from the show.
A statement from the corporation said: 'Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals. The actions we announce today are designed to address that.' The new measures include a member of the production team being present during training room rehearsals at all times, and increased support for both celebrity contestants and the professional dancers.
Read More Strictly announce new duty of care protocol after Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice scandals A Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer have both been appointed to fulfil these added duties, and further training will also be delivered for the production team and crew. Kate Phillips, BBC's Director of Unscripted, said: 'Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we're made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act. 'Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals.
The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production.' It comes after the dancing contest has been plunged into chaos in recent months as a number of allegations of abuse from professionals have come to light - as both pro dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice both being accused of misconduct. 'If you need that duty of care or if you feel like you need anything, something on your mind or worried about anything, or just have a chat, they're there,' the singer told MailOnline In July BBC bosses announced plans to introduce chaperones during training in all future rehearsals as well as two new welfare producers, after Graziano Di Prima's shock sacking from the show (Graziano and Zara McDermott pictured on last year's series) It comes after the dancing contest has been plunged into chaos as a number of allegations of abuse from professionals have come to light - as both pro dancers Giovanni Pernice (pictured) and Graziano both being accused of misconduct Giovanni, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celeb partners (pictured together on the show) Meanwhile Graziano, 30, was axed from the show in July over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during last year's series (pictured together on the show) Giovanni, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celeb partners .
Meanwhile Graziano, 30, was axed from the show in July over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during last year's series. Adding further tension as the beginning of a fresh season looms in, it also emerged that cast and crew were reportedly furious over the return of professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec , as it's claimed he was involved in backstage row with a female dancer. The Slovenian dancer, 34, is set to return to the BBC show for its new series, two years after an altercation on the 2022 live tour, according to The Sun .
Two years after his exit, it's reported that Aljez departed the show after an alleged 'shocking' incident with a fellow female professional dancer on the nationwide tour. The decision to bring back the star to the BBC show has reportedly raised eyebrows, especially given a string of scandals that have beset the show in recent weeks. A source told the publication: 'Has the BBC learned nothing from the past ten months? Amid ongoing furore around the behaviour of its male pros, they actively recruited a dancer who left under a cloud.
'Aljaž was touted as an unproblematic, returning legend but that couldn't be further from the truth.' The source claimed the crew and cast were 'relieved' to see his departure two years ago and are now 'aghast' to see him back on the show They revealed he allegedly got 'very drunk' on a night out on tour two years ago which led him being involved in a 'very serious, pretty shocking altercation' with a female. It's also reported that cast and crew were furious over the return of professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, amid claims he was involved in a backstage row with a female dancer The Slovenian dancer is set to return to the BBC show for its new series, two years after an altercation on the 2022 live tour (pictured with celebrity partner Sara Davies in 2021) The incident was said to have made the female dancer feel 'deeply uncomfortable'.
Aljaž's scene has been reportedly discussed backstage at length since and the decision to bring him back has 'baffled' the crew. 'Execs would have to be living in a cave not to have heard the rumours', the source added. According to the publication, the BBC denied an official complaint was made over the incident, and it had been previously stated that Aljaz left of his own accord.
The BBC declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline, and told The Sun that they did not recognise the claims against Aljaz. MailOnline has reached out to Aljaž's representatives for a comment. STRICTLY LINE-UP 2024 Chris McCausland Age: 46 Profession: Comedian Chris says: 'If anybody out there is thinking - How the hell is he going to do that? - then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing.
' Dr. Punam Krishan Age: Unknown Profession: GP and broadcaster Punam says: 'I have watched Strictly every year and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied.' Toyah Willcox Age: 66 Profession: Singer, actor, presenter Toyah says: 'I'm super excited and love this show.
To be a part of it, the spray tan the glitter. Its a landmark year for me I came a pensioner, Glasto and now I get spray tans.' Pete Wicks Age: 36 Profession: Reality star Pete says: 'Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.
' Shayne Ward Age: 39 Profession: Actor and singer Shayne says: 'I'm no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level.' Tom Dean Age: 24 Profession: Olympic medal winning swimmer Tom says: 'Now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing' Nick Knowles Age: 61 Profession: TV presenter Nick says: 'I am going to really go for it I will throw myself at it 100 per cent!' JB Gill Age: 37 Profession: Singer JB says: 'A lot of the ballroom styles are very alien to me - I didn't do those dances growing up. I am not a trained dancer.
' Wynne Evans Age: 52 Profession: Opera singer, presenter Wynne says: 'The stuff I'm nervous about is the ones that involve jumping, I don't really want to do the jive, I'm nervous about that. Tasha Ghouri Age: 25 Profession: Model and reality star Tasha says: 'I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it's a firm Ghouri family favourite - so this is a total dream come true.' Sarah Hadland Age: 53 Profession: Actress Sarah says: 'I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year.
' Jamie Borthwick Age: 30 Profession: EastEnders star Jamie says: 'I had a ball doing the Christmas special, so when I was asked to join it was the easiest yes!' Sam Quek Age: 35 Profession: Former GB hockey player and presenter Sam says: 'I am so relieved it is out there now it has been hard to keep a secret! The rumours were spreading and I had to lie! I am used to dancing on a girls night out but I will give it my all' Paul Merson Age: 56 Profession: Former footballer Paul says: 'I won't worry about it until it starts but when it does I will be nervous - I have only danced three times in my life!' Giovanni Pernice Coronation Street ITV BBC Share or comment on this article: Strictly's Shayne Ward opens up on training with chaperones present after the BBC introduced new duty of care protocols amid bullying and abuse allegations e-mail Add comment.
