ITV hits back over Michael Barrymore’s claims that Dancing on Ice has same ‘abusive’ behaviour as Strictly
ITV have hit back after Michael Barrymore claimed that Dancing On Ice has the same “abusive behaviour” as BBC’s Strictly.
It comes after Strictly Come Dancing faces its biggest crisis as more celebrities share horror stories from behind the scenes.
TV presenter Michael, 72, who appeared on the ITV skating show back in 2020, but broke his wrist in training and had to pull out of the competition before it started.
He has now claimed that prior to his exit he witnessed “abuse”, and was surprised that the skating show had not also come “under fire”.
But ITV have rubbished his “unsubstantiated” claims and slammed and said the welfare of their stars on the show was its “top priority”.
Michael wrote on his X platform: “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.
“Even I witnessed abuse from producers at ITV and I had a very short stint with them…”
An ITV spokesperson hit back at his claims and said. “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.
“Additionally, independent skating coaches are often present overseeing training sessions.”
They added: “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.’
Michael was replaced on the dance show by former Blue Peter host Radzi Chinyanganya — who was given the boot in week three.
Medics ruled Michael unfit to continue in the competition after an X-ray revealed the damage to his wrist.
The disappointed TV legend said: “That was short-lived wasn’t it.
“I’m not going to regret it. I loved every minute.”
Talking to the camera after his exit, Michael said: “I said yes because of the challenge. When I started, it felt so intense. I am just sleeping, training, eating.
“I’ve got muscles I never had before.”
Meanwhile, viewers were claiming that Strictly’s glitter-filled bubble has “burst” after the full extent of Will Bayley’s shocking injury story was revealed.
The Paralympian, 36, exclusively opened up on the horror ordeal – which required him to undergo surgery – in an interview with The Sun this weekend.
Will starred in Strictly’s 2019 series alongside professional Janette Manrara, who now fronts spin-off show It Takes Two.
He told us how the Spanish mum-of-one blasted a jump in rehearsals as “rubbish” – yet when he leapt from the table again – he heard his leg crack and suffered “horrific pain.”
The table tennis ace said bosses made him feel like it was his fault, with his torn knee ligaments then forcing him to pull out of the series entirely.
After he added his complaint into Strictly’s investigation, citing a duty of care, he has now demanded an apology from the BBC.
Earlier this week, the BBC insisted it has “long-standing protocols for dealing with injuries and that includes contestants receiving all necessary treatment and support as required.”
Will’s ordeal adds to a host of complaints about Strictly Come Dancing professionals.
A video showing former show pro Brendan Cole slapping Fiona Phillips’ bum three times recently resurfaced.
We previously reported on equally shocking footage of another former show professional, James Jordan, which saw him calling his dance partner “fat.”
Italian professional Giovanni Pernice, 33, quit the BBC show earlier this year.
He is currently under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners.
The same investigation also saw his fellow Italian professional Graziano Di Prima axed after allegations of “physical incidents” towards show partner Zara McDermott, 27.
Dancer-turned-judge Anton Du Beke has also been named in the “misconduct probe.”
It is centred on a historic row with his former celebrity partner Laila Rouass, 53, and what has been dubbed his “1970s behaviour” towards her.