BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Shayne Ward offers first thoughts on 'chaperones' after scandal

Shayne Ward has revealed what having chaperones on Strictly Come Dancing is like after the BBC introduced fresh measures in the wake of the furore surrounding two of its former professional dancers.

Giovanni Pernice was seemingly axed from the BBC One dance contest amid allegations of "threatening and abusive behaviour" towards his former celebrity partners.

He previously rejected the allegations, the majority of which have stemmed from Amanda Abbington's stint in the competition, and said he looks “forward to clearing my name”. Giovanni said in a statement on June 16 that he is "co-operating fully" with an ongoing BBC investigation and is looking forward to "clearing my name and establishing the truth".

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Meanwhile, Graziano Di Prima was due to return for the 2024 series after being announced in the professional line-up back in June. However, in July, he confirmed he'd no longer be involved in the 2024 series and that he "deeply regrets" the events that have led to his exit.

The BBC then announced plans to hire chaperones earlier this year, and Kate Phillips, the BBC's Director of Unscripted, promised at the time that the corporation would take any allegations very seriously.

She said in a statement: "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." Kate noted that the allegations "fundamentally related to training and rehearsals".

However, she hoped that the issue would be addressed by introducing a new range of measures. She said: "Concerns