Dermot O'Leary intervenes as Strictly scandal discussion heats up on ITV's This Morning

This Morning hosts discuss 'Strictly scandal'

Dermot O'Leary put the brakes on the Strictly Come Dancing discourse on This Morning.

The broadcaster, at 51, was in no mood to let experts and co-host Alison Hammond delve into the legal depths of the BBC dancing controversy that made headlines on Wednesday (July 17).

Earlier shake-ups saw a backlash against the beloved show after Amanda Abbington alleged she had received unjust treatment during her training by pro partner Giovani Pernice. The Italian dancer has persistently denied these claims and asserted his innocence.

Since then, a series of complaints have hurled more professionals into the scandal's epicentre, revealing potential tension between Zara McDermott and her dance partner Graziano Di Prima - who has now been given the boot from the programme.

Alison, 49, a former Strictly star from 2014 whose partner was professional Aljaz Skorjanec, had plenty of comments about the situation, but Dermot suddenly interrupted: "Moving on!" reports the Mirror.

Dermot 'cut off' a Strictly chat mid conversation (Image: ITV)

His abrupt interruption did not escape the notice of viewers, who swiftly took to social media to weigh in on it.

One disgruntled viewer expressed frustration, saying: "...and, just as the psychotherapist bloke was about to develop his point, they cut him off..." Another added fuel to the fire with: "Friction #ThisMorning."

Others joined the fray, commenting: "Are these celebs aware that Strictly is a competition? It seems that it's far too easy to throw the pros under the bus #thismorning."

Alison aired her opinion on the BBC hiring chaperones (Image: ITV)

Another person echoed this sentiment online, stating: "BBC should have had chaperones with all the vulnerable children in their property over the years #thismorning."

On Wednesday (July 17), Alison, who has previously vied for the Glitterball trophy herself, kept her comments measured regarding the controversy. Earlier in the week, however, she didn't hold back from voicing her thoughts, particularly when the conversation turned to whether Strictly chiefs were contemplating the introduction of chaperones.

When Dermot O'Leary quizzed her on whether she would have welcomed a chaperone during her stint, she responded: "Obviously not, I don't want a chaperone. You just want to enjoy yourself. To be fair, out of the five days training in a week, you probably have cameras in the studio with you three of those days."

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Alison assured viewers that she always felt protected and well looked after on the show, praising her partner by adding: "Yeah, I had Aljaz and he was a brilliant teacher."

The television star continued: "I loved working with him and I never had any issues whatsoever but there was always people around filming the rehearsals but there was about two days a week where I always alone with just Aljaz rehearsing but I personally wouldn't make chaperones if its going to safeguard people."

This Morning airs on ITV from 10am weekdays.

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Dermot O'Leary intervenes as Strictly scandal discussion heats up on ITV's This Morning

Dermot O'Leary intervenes as Strictly scandal discussion heats up on ITV's This Morning

Dermot O'Leary intervenes as Strictly scandal discussion heats up on ITV's This Morning

Dermot O'Leary intervenes as Strictly scandal discussion heats up on ITV's This Morning

Dermot O'Leary intervenes as Strictly scandal discussion heats up on ITV's This Morning