ITV has hit back at claims of “abuse” made by former Dancing on Ice contestant Michael Barrymore.
The former presenter, 72, alleged he had “witnessed abuse” on the set of the ice skating show, branding it “worse than Strictly”. It comes amid the ongoing probe into Strictly Come Dancing after a slew of claims against the BBC show’s conduct and safeguarding.
The BBC show has been under fire ever since Giovanni Pernice was accused of mistreating his former celeb partner Amanda Abbington during last year’s series, which he denies. Fellow pro Graziano Di Prima was fired after it was found he kicked Love Island star Zara McDermott, which he’s apologised for.
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Now, as Strictly continues to feel the heat of the claims, Michael has made claims that ITV’s stalwart dancing show has had similar, if not worse, issues. In 2020, Michael took part in Dancing on Ice, but was forced to pull out due to sustaining an injury to his wrist.
(Image: ITV)
However, before he left the show, Michael claimed that he had seen cases of abuse take place and has asked that Dancing on Ice come under the same level of speculation. Taking to his X account, he fumed that Dancing on Ice has been able to get away unscathed.
“I find it bewildering that BBC’s Strictly is the only production under fire this week when ITV’s Dancing On Ice treated their celebrities and dancers exactly the same – if not worse,” Michael penned. “Even I witnessed abuse from producers at ITV and I had a very short stint with them…”
(Image: PA)
Following this post, ITV have refuted the claims. A spokesperson for the channel told Metro: “We do not recognise these unsubstantiated claims.
“Michael was unable to participate in the live shows for Dancing on Ice owing to an injury sustained in training. This training takes place in public ice skating rinks, where skating marshalls or rink guards are present, or at the show’s filming studio in Bovingdon, under the supervision of the production crew.”
(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
The spokesperson added: “Additionally, independent skating coaches are often present overseeing training sessions. We have always been very transparent about our welfare processes and are fully committed towards supporting cast and crew on our production; this is always the top priority.”
Barrymore’s claims came as a stark contrast to how he felt after leaving the show in 2020. Speaking to then-hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that he had “loved every second” of his time on the show.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
