Esther Rantzen hits out at Strictly and says BBC show is 'inflated beyond its worth'

Strictly Come Dancing - the jewel in the BBC's crown which celebrates its 20th anniversary in September - has been dogged by allegations of inappropriate behaviour by professionals.

Scandal has erupted over recent claims, but rumours about punishing schedules and tough training techniques have circulated for years.

In a bid to end long-standing rumours of a toxic culture behind the scenes, BBC bosses promised a member of production staff will now be present at all training sessions.

But former stars said the latest allegations focusing on dancers Graziano di Prima and Giovanni Pernice, both of whom will not appear for the anniversary series, were concerning but not surprising.

Dame Esther Rantzen, 84, who danced with Anton Du Beke in the second series in 2014, told Times Radio: "The only worry I have is why it took so long for these complaints to surface. And if I were a producer, and I have been a producer in my time, that's the question I would be asking myself with a bit of concern.

"I mean, 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.

"I think it's become a sacred cow. I think it's become an iconic program and I think everybody has inflated it beyond its worth."

Fern Britton, 67, a star of the 2012 series with Artem Chigvintsev, claimed the Russian pro would "just kick or shove" her during rehearsals.

Reverend Richard Coles, 62, who appeared in 2017, said: "I remember somebody who worked on the show for years and years telling me, 'Strictly is a wonderful show with a dark heart'. I never really understood what that meant, but perhaps one of the things that meant is what you don't see, which is how intensely competitive it is.

"And also, I think the fact that it's so important to the BBC...introduce that element of competition to it, you know, it's a career-making or a career-breaking experience for some people. And you can understand why the smile perhaps gets a little fixed and the glitter a little bit shiny.

"I've spoken to both contestants and also professionals about it. And I think no one has been surprised that this stuff has surfaced. I think everyone's just concerned to see that appropriate measures are put in to mitigate it.”

Former Tory MP Edwina Currie, who took part in 2011, added: "The professionals have to be well aware that actually this is not a dance competition. This is weekend entertainment that brings in the BBC a lot of money. And it has to be not just wholesome, but fun. And everyone's got to look as if they're enjoying it and actually enjoying it."

Kate Phillips, the BBC’s director of unscripted, said: “While 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.”