Strictly Update.

I don’t take notice of unnamed claims,

It is reported today that Steve Backshall complained to the BBC about Ola Jordan in 2014 saying that she was a bully.

That’s three named celebrities, I suppose if no video evidence it’s up to the celebrity to seek legal advice and the professional dancer to do the same

Sparklefizz

I agree Joseann and now they are talking about a blind contestant (Chris Causland) taking part in the next series - assuming it goes ahead. He actually joked on TV a while back that the BBC wouldn't be able to afford the insurance for him!

I've also seen mention of a celeb in a wheelchair possibly taking part. I really don't see how that person could be judged against able-bodied dancing celebs in the same way that paralympians don't compete against able-bodied athletes. Sometimes inclusivity goes too far imo.

I agree. They are so busy trying to be ‘inclusive’ that you end up with some celebs going further than their skills merit.

A sort of ‘sympathy’ vote to show you’re not being judgemental.

And the dancing just isn’t good enough.

Goodness, now Steve Backshall has accused Ola Jordan of bullying him.

She was apparently aggressive and shouted in his face. To be honest, if I were him I'd have kept this to myself. As an alpha male and self-styled adventurer and explorer I might have wondered if it would make me look a bit of a wuss complaining that I had allowed a diminutive ballroom dancer to bully me.

We also have a contestant with apparent lifelong injuries inflicted by being asked to do a jump - which really, the contestant could have explained was inadvisable and potentially dangerous due to physical limitations.

Honestly, I'm not diminishing the validity of the original 2 incidents. It seems one of these at least had traction as the dancer was swiftly dealt with and rightly so.

But - and I'm playing Devi's Advocate here - what are the parameters for reality shows that nobody is forced to take part in? I've watched very uncomfortably at people being verbally abused when they get scared to jump into the ocean from an oil rig, or cross a ravine on a wonky bridge. What about being made to eat animal's genitals or lying in a bed of snakes or whatever?

Maybe abuse is ok when the contestant knows in advance it might happen.

I guess the thing is, that the contestant doesn't really know how they are going to react in a challenging physical situation. So they sign up thinking they can cope with anything thrown at them.
And dance training is tough and relentless.

Does anyone remember the complaints from footballers (years ago) when they had to train with ballet dancers?
I might see if I can find it.

Dance is very tough.

Ha ha. Just had a quick Google around this and clearly it's much more "normal" now!
Hundreds of videos/articles etc.
Some clubs actually using it as part of the training regime.

I think I fell down a rabbit hole there!

Joseann

I guess the thing is, that the contestant doesn't really know how they are going to react in a challenging physical situation. So they sign up thinking they can cope with anything thrown at them.
And dance training is tough and relentless.

It's interesting that the only sportsperson who has complained (as far as I'm aware) is Will Bayley, and again, I'm not belittling his achievements in any way, but I would hazard a guess that training for table tennis is quite possibly one of the less robust training regimes.

🏓 versus 🕺 💃 😆

Quote ferry23 Tue 23-Jul-24 07:46:45
Goodness, now Steve Backshall has accused Ola Jordan of bullying him.

She was apparently aggressive and shouted in his face. To be honest, if I were him I'd have kept this to myself. As an alpha male and self-styled adventurer and explorer I might have wondered if it would make me look a bit of a wuss complaining that I had allowed a diminutive ballroom dancer to bully me.

He being male should have stopped being a wuss and kicked her or spat at her ?

Mollygo

Now Janette Manrara‘s partner Will Bayley is complaining that she made him redo a jump, the after effects of which are still causing him pain.
I’m sorry about the pain. Ongoing pain is a nightmare.
What I don’t understand is, if it hurt him the first time, why he didn't refuse to redo it.
If it didn’t hurt him the first time how did either of them know the second attempt would be a mistake?

This....

Anniebach

Quote ferry23 Tue 23-Jul-24 07:46:45
Goodness, now Steve Backshall has accused Ola Jordan of bullying him.

She was apparently aggressive and shouted in his face. To be honest, if I were him I'd have kept this to myself. As an alpha male and self-styled adventurer and explorer I might have wondered if it would make me look a bit of a wuss complaining that I had allowed a diminutive ballroom dancer to bully me.

He being male should have stopped being a wuss and kicked her or spat at her ?

What a strange question.

Nowhere did I advocate that he should have retaliated similarly.

There are more adult ways of dealing with things Anniebach.

Wuss and Alpha Male, ferry23 your descriptions of men in your post

I really have no idea what your point is Anniebach.

A wuss is a term that can be applied to anyone - it's not exclusively male. An alpha male is not a derogatory term any more than an alpha female is.

I loved Anne Widdecombes comments in this and she knows from the inside!

The women who say they have been assaulted don’t know from
the inside ?

I'm sure I read (somewhere?) that Angela Rippon's agent recently wanted to make a drama story out of the fact that Angela sliced her leg with her own shoe heel, but the BBC weren't keen to allow this.
Angela herself made no comment. I think she understands dance training.

She did make a comment,

Was her comment "Woe is me, Kai was pushing me too hard"? I bet she didn't blame him.

Dont believe most of the claims, bit late in the day coming out with things now. I was upset reading about the Paralympian who fell doing a jump that was beyond his capability, he will be in pain the rest of his life, his instructor should go.

No, and she didn’t say she was kicked or spat at

Surely they all have to undergo medicals before they start training. A doctor or physio should be responsible for saying what the celebrity can or can't do, not the dance pro? The celeb should be advised what NOT to do by the expert first.

DD2 is a dance teacher and pupils fill out a medical history form and mention any impediments. They are always told not to attempt a move if they have a dodgy knee/back/neck, etc.

And they are off, rehearsals have started.

Why has not one person refused to be treated that way. Is it that the chance of winning and bring in the public eye transcends everything. I for one woukd not do anything I thought would hurt me or be shouted at, I would put a complaint in at the time. I'm rather biased with Amanda as I find her irritating and full of herself, however no one should take abuse. I'm ashamed to say I too find Anton creepy.