Strictly Come Dancing Faces Allegations of Abuse and Mental Health Concerns

The popular dance show "Strictly Come Dancing" is under scrutiny following serious allegations of abuse and mental health issues experienced by participants. Rachel Riley, who was paired with Pasha Kovalev in 2013, revealed that her time on the show left her with PTSD, describing it as akin to a "hostage situation." Pasha, who departed from the show in 2018, stated he never witnessed any inappropriate behavior during his tenure but acknowledged that every workplace has its "bad apples" and emphasized the need for a supportive environment. Pasha highlighted the positive aspects of participating in the show, noting the joy and endorphins that come from training and achieving dance goals. However, he expressed concern that the production team may not fully understand the psychological impact the experience can have on contestants. He mentioned that he was recommended cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) during his time on the show, which he found beneficial. The controversy intensified in January when actress Amanda Abbington accused her partner Giovanni Pernice of abusive behavior after her abrupt exit from the competition just five weeks in. Pernice has vehemently denied the allegations. Abbington described her experience on the show as comparable to "the trenches," revealing that BBC producers were reportedly shocked by footage that allegedly displayed humiliating and inappropriate behavior. A source close to the show claimed that another participant, Graziano, was involved in ongoing abusive behavior, including physical violence. Graziano has since stated that he is unaware of the specific allegations against him, further complicating the unfolding situation.