The new Strictly rules the BBC has been forced to introduce after Zara and Graziano claims

The BBC has been forced to introduce a load of new rules and precautions for the upcoming series of Strictly after the ongoing investigation into the show.

In the last week it’s been revealed dancer Graziano Di Prima has been sacked from Strictly after bosses were shown footage from his rehearsals with previous dance partner, Zara McDermott. Graziano is accused of hitting, kicking and spitting at Zara, and has since been sacked for gross misconduct.

Footage has been seen by bosses of the show as part of a wider investigation, following previous allegations against other pro dancer, Giovanni Pernice. Giovanni has been accused of bulling on the show, which he has denied. Today, it has even come out that a third pro has been named as a person of interest in the investigation.

But the BBC has now been forced to release a new set of rules, guidelines and changes for the upcoming series of the show, due to start in September.

In a statement, it said: “The BBC is today announcing additional steps to strengthen welfare and support on Strictly Come Dancing. Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals. The actions we announce today are designed to address that.”

The BBC said it would:

• Have a production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times

• Appoint a celebrity welfare producer and a professional dancer welfare producer

• Deliver further training for the production team and crew

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Kate Phillips, the BBC’s director of unscripted, said: “Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act. Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals.

“The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production.”

Via Instagram

It has also been reported that the show is now struggling to recruit female celebrities to take part. A television executive connected to the series told MailOnline: ” Usually it is the women who are more keen. Not only is it an opportunity to get dressed up but appearing on Strictly is also much more fortuitous for females’ careers than men’s.But word has got around that it isn’t exactly a walk in the park, so getting them has a been a lot more challenging.’

The show, according to inside sources, is in “meltdown” and the bosses of both Strictly and the wider BBC have been locked in meetings over the weekend as they attempt to work out how they can survive the scandal. One said: ‘There have been many conversations about how this is dealt with but the immediate problem is this year’s cast… There has been lots of swearing and frustration.”

Graziano has made a statement about the claims following his sacking from Strictly, which said: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.

“While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future. I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”

Related stories recommended by this writer: 

• A third Strictly professional named ‘person of interest’ in investigation into the show

• All the celebs who have shown support to Graziano over Zara McDermott Strictly claims

• ‘Incredibly distressing’: Zara McDermott speaks out for the first time since Graziano claims

Featured image via BBC.