Former Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Rippon was allegedly stopped from unveiling an injury she suffered on the show.
The former newsreader and broadcaster, 79, admitted that during training she had cut one of her legs open with a high-heeled shoe. Angela, now known for her TV appearances on the likes of Rip Off Britain, was in the midst of training with partner Kai Widdrington when the incident took place.
However, whilst Angela has never spoken about the gash publicly, agent Sue Ayton explained that this was down to “controlling” bosses that had gagged the presenter from talking about it. This was done so that the positive “fantasy” of the show could remain intact.
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Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Ayton explained: “Angela was writing a column at the time for a newspaper and she wanted to include this because it was such a wonderful story how everyone had come together. And we were told to scale this back, you are not to mention you cut your leg and there was blood. Well, why not?”
(Image: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images)
Sue added that with Strictly being one of the channel’s biggest shows, the BBC were keen to ensure it was being show in the best light. “We were encouraged to play down the fact that she had hurt herself, so as not to puncture the illusion and fantasy.”
The agent, who continues to represent Angela, blasted the decision – saying it was “too controlling”, before insisting “the public would like to know some of that”. She also addressed the ongoing scandal into abuse and misconduct at the show, after Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima were let go of ahead of the new series.
Explaining her side, she said: “They need to look at the entry point and how people are prepared. This is terribly hard work.
(Image: PA)
“What we found was that the BBC creates an illusion and a fantasy of this wonderful world. Rehearsals are all happy but at the same time it is very hard work.”
It comes after Graziano was fired from the BBC competition on Saturday (July 13) after video footage emerged of the star hitting, shouting at and spitting at his celebrity partner – Love Island ‘s Zara McDermott. Di Prima apologised and has now left the country and returned to his native Sicily where he is now working as a farm labourer for £6 an hour.
Meanwhile, an internal investigation set up to look into Giovanni’s actions with Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington remains ongoing. Giovanni himself has strongly denied the allegations being made against him, and has said that he “looks forward to clearing his name” after instructing a top law firm to defend him in the case.
(Image: PA)
A third unnamed professional dancer has also been linked to the investigation due to previous complaints from partners. The pro is said to be a former star of the show and has not worked on the programme in years.
The BBC has refused to comment on the issue.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
