Strictly’s Janette Manrara breaks silence on Will Bayley suffering life-changing injury in rehearsals with her
STRICTLY’s Janette Manrara has broken her silence on her celebrity partner Will Bayley’s complaint against the BBC.
Paralympian Will, 36, suffered a life-changing injury in rehearsals with the professional dancer.
Janette, who is now an It Takes Two host, is accused of telling Will his jump was “rubbish” — before he severely hurt his leg trying to perform it better.
A spokesman for Janette told The Sun: “Janette had a great time dancing with Will and one of her favourite moments on the show was doing their contemporary couples choice.
“Her celebrity partner’s safety and enjoyment was always the priority throughout her time on Strictly.
“Janette has never received any complaints and has maintained friendships with all her partners, including Will.”
Yesterday, the BBC insisted it has “long-standing protocols for dealing with injuries and that includes contestants receiving all necessary treatment and support as required”.
Lawyers are handling allegations of misconduct towards Strictly contestant actress Amanda Abbington, who claims she suffered PTSD after dancing with pro Giovanni Pernice.
He quit the show in May and denies any wrongdoing. Dance pro Graziano Di Prima has been sacked over a video in which he kicks partner Zara McDermott. He has apologised for his “mistake”.
Dancer-turned-judge Anton Du Beke has also been dragged into the row, after his former dance partner Laila Rouass complained about language he used in 2009. He has also apologised.
The BBC has launched an investigation and there will now be a chaperone “at all times” in training.