BREAKING: Strictly Come Dancing: 'The Line Should Never Be Crossed,' Says BBC Boss Tim Davie

The BBC director-general has addressed the controversy surrounding hit show Strictly Come Dancing, saying the organisation "will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour" and that "the line should never be crossed".

Tim Davie made the comments at a news briefing following the release of the broadcaster's annual report, which reveals, among other things, the salaries of its highest-paid stars. These include newsreader Huw Edwards, despite the fact he was off air for most of the year.

Before taking questions from journalists, the BBC boss said he wanted to speak out about the scandal that has hit Strictly in recent weeks. Two male dancers have left the show amid allegations of misconduct and last week the broadcaster announced it would introduce production staff to chaperone all rehearsalsfrom the next series.

There will always be "a degree of competitiveness" alongside the fun - but "there are limits", Mr Davie said. Later on, when asked by Sky News about the programme's duty of care and why behaviour in recorded rehearsals had not rang alarm bells earlier, he replied:

"I'm very sorry that anyone has had a experience on Strictly that hasn't been wholly positive."

Bosses need to to learn from the allegations, he continued, but the "key here is to address the situation". He also said he felt "disappointed" when he heard the claims.

"I think everyone knows we care about duty of care. We want people to have a positive experience. Overall, we're very proud of the BBC."

Strictly to go ahead with 'brilliant' line-up

In his opening statement about the programme, Mr Davie described Strictly as "a wonderful show" and said "hundreds of people" involved in the series, from professional dancers and crew members to the celebrity contestants, have had "a brilliant experience".

However, he added:

"At the same time, if someone feels there was something wrong or they want to talk about their experience, then of course we want them to raise that with us. And be in no doubt, we will take it seriously, listen and deal with it as appropriate."

Mr Davie said he would not discuss specific individuals, but told reporters the broadcaster had in recent weeks shown evidence of its commitment to taking any allegations seriously.

"So I hope that anyone who does want to talk to us, feels they can," he continued.

"It is vital, of course, that we have the right protocols and structures in place for the show. We keep these under review and we confirmed changes to these last week. It is essential these are right for everyone.

"Of course, alongside the fun and entertainment there will be a degree of competitiveness, hard work and a will to do well. That's part of what makes this show. But there are limits and the line should never be crossed. We will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind."

He finished by saying the show has planned "a brilliant line-up for this year, who I'm sure are itching to get going", with more details to be revealed in the coming weeks.

The Strictly scandal: How it unfolded

Earlier this month, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima announced he was leaving the show after claims about his treatment of reality star and documentary presenter Zara McDermott - including confirmed reports he kicked her during a rehearsal.

His departure followed that of Giovanni Pernice, who left following a complaint made to the BBC about his behaviour by actress Amanda Abbington.

He has denied the allegations and said he is "co-operating fully" with an ongoing BBC investigation.

Since the departure of the two dancers, more former contestants have spoken out about their experiences on the show.

On Monday, Paralympian Will Bayley said he suffered a serious injury while performing a jump in rehearsals for the programme in 2019, and has claimed there was "no duty of care".

He said producers were told the jump from a table during a routine was too dangerous, but he was encouraged to do it anyway. He suffered torn knee ligaments and was forced to pull out of the series.

Answering questions from reporters, Mr Davie said Mr Bayley had spoken "eloquently" and that the BBC "clearly" needs to "listen and learn".

He also said he was confident in the "robust" measures that have now been put in place to offer more support to contestants on the show.

Pressed on whether he is "confident" he does not need to launch "a more thorough review", Mr Davie said that "proportianate" action has been taken "at the moment".

He added:

"I would be careful about characterising my comments as a vote of confidence across everything we're doing.

"I am confident in the team and I'm confident we can deliver a season, but that's not without the adjustments and the learnings that we have taken on from the feedback we've had. I think it's really important we are responsive, we're listening, we're fair, and act with common sense and generosity in terms of delivering this programme."

Mr Davie said he is hoping the review into the allegations will be "resolved soon", but could not give a timeframe.

(c) Sky News 2024: Strictly Come Dancing: 'The line should never be crossed,' says BBC boss Tim Davie