Former Strictly contestant says 'lessons can be learned' and 'things could be better'

Will Bailey speaks about Strictly experience

Will Bayley has hit out at BBC's Strictly Come Dancing for their conduct with disabled people on the programme.

The Paralympian, who previously competed on the glitzy programme in 2019, wasn't exactly full of praise about his experience as he raised his own concerns for the treatment of disabled people.

He appeared on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday (July 23) and told thosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent to that he had written letters to chiefs at the broadcasting giant, to express his concerns in the past.

Will told the hosts "changes need to be made" and "lessons will be learned". He went on to detail how he'd been left with "injuries that still affect me to this day".

The former BBC contender had to bow out early after he was left in "horrific pain" after attempting a jump in rehearsals, alongside his professional partner Janette Manrara.

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Will spoke out on BBC Breakfast (Image: BBC Breakfast)

The 36-year-old table tennis champion confessed to The Sun that he'd expressed to his coach before taking part in the show that "can't do jumps".

Will was now hoping to speak out, in hope that his experience could be made better for future people in a similar position to him. He said: "I don't know if any changes will be made. I'm just a Table Tennis player.

"I don't know if I'd have even been listened to or if I'd even be on the news if other things hadn't happened. I just hope it gets listened to now and other adaptations can be made because of my story really."

Sally quizzed: "Will, I wonder if people at home will be shocked to hear you talk about your experience because when we watch Strictly on a Saturday night we see the glitter and the smiles and it's all very happy for family viewing.

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Sally and Jon listened to Will's complaint (Image: BBC Breakfast) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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"You talk about wanting to win and it being a competition, I don't think people appreciate maybe how very, very competitive it has become, were you surprised by that yourself? Nodding in agreement, Will answered: "It's extremely intense and it's extremely competitive."

After sustaining an injury that has remained with him ever since, Will left the series in week seven, saying at the time that he was "gutted [his] Strictly journey had come to an end."

He is the latest celebrity to speak out about his negative experience on the show, with BBC's Strictly being held firmly in the spotlight with questions raised over conduct behind-the-scenes which follows claims of "abuse" and "bullying".

Allegations were first sparked after English actress Amanda Abbington claimed she had been treated unfairly by her pro-dancer Giovanni Pernice. Further claims were sparked over Graziano Di Prima's treatment of Zara McDermott. Both Giovanni and Graziano, have upheld their innocence and have since departed the programme.

BBC Breakfast airs weekdays on BBC One from 6am

Former Strictly contestant says 'lessons can be learned' and 'things could be better'

Former Strictly contestant says 'lessons can be learned' and 'things could be better'

Former Strictly contestant says 'lessons can be learned' and 'things could be better'

Former Strictly contestant says 'lessons can be learned' and 'things could be better'

Former Strictly contestant says 'lessons can be learned' and 'things could be better'