BBC’s reaction to my Strictly complaint left me depressed says Will Bayley amid life changing injury from show
WILL Bayley has revealed the BBC’s reaction to his Strictly complaint left him ‘depressed’.
Paralympian Will, 36, previously said he was encouraged to leap from a table despite his concerns and those of his coach while appearing on the show back in 2019.
After hearing his leg crack and suffering “horrific pain” he claimed he was taken to a hotel room where his knee was iced instead of going to hospital.
Will also told The Sun how bosses made him feel like it was his fault, with his torn knee ligaments forcing him to pull out of the show.
But now Will has shared an insight into his repose from Beeb bosses, which left him feeling depressed.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast, the sporting legend told Jon Kay and Sally Nugent: “I got a response and I was in a bit of a depression when I read it back. I just found it really depressing. It was kind of like ‘We’ve done everything we can do, and we support you’.
“It felt like I was making a mountain out of a molehill. That’s how I felt that it was. I just hope it gets listened to now and some adaptions get made because of my story.”
Will, who was partnered with Janette Manrara, praised the former Strictly pro dancer.
He said: “Janette was incredibly supportive, hard-working. She had a will to win, like me. I thought we were an amazing team. I thought we got on so well and we were ultra-professional.”
Reflecting more on the Strictly scandal, Will said: “Lessons can be learned, but I’m called being woke if I say something like that, or controversial, which is unbelievable, really. But I just think that’s not really a difficult thing to ask, I think it should be a priority. If the BBC are brilliant enough to get people with disabilities in, they have to really support those people, make sure that they’re safe.”
He continued: “And it’s not like I’ve brought this up now, I’ve brought this up in writing as well, and I’ve brought this up many times… It’s just because the other stories have come out that mine has actually got listened to, but I have brought it up before. If someone gets an injury like mine, it will affect them for the rest of their life.
“I’ll never get over this knee injury, I have to deal with that. I just want to make a positive impact. If people listen, and try and take on board what I’m saying, it’s to try to get positive out of it rather than just be complaining for complaining’s sake.”
A spokesman for Janette recently 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.”
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.
How might Strictly's scandal affect the show's future?
By PR expert, Nick Ede
THE Strictly Glitterball has been tarnished by the revelations about Graziano and Gio and there is no going back for the show.
With other celebrities making their feelings known daily, this is not how the BBC saw their flagship show going into its next season, celebrating its 20th anniversary.
This dark cloud will forever change the show and all eyes will be on the dancers, the celebrities, their relationships and dynamics.
I am sure, with precautions being made, there will be less spark with the stars and this will, too, be a shame as the chemistry is something the audiences love and talk about.
Strictly is a bright star and one of the biggest shows on the planet. Not only does it bring families together, it has an effect that can be felt UK-wide with people up and down the country tuning in to enjoy it.
Also, it’s important not to tarsnish everyone on the show with the same brush.
Most of the professional dancers have had an impeccable record and it’s a shame to bring up past stars, who are no longer on the show, as well as the current stars who put their life and soul into performing each week.
The BBC has a responsibility and duty of care and, with new infrastructures in place, hopefully the brand will get beyond this and continue giving joy to so many millions of people who view it religiously.