Craig Revel Horwood issues stern Strictly demand amid show scandals and bullying probe

CRAIG Revel Horwood has demanded that the Strictly Come Dancing bullying probe be revealed “sooner rather than later”.

The judge and choreographer slammed the BBC, but claimed that the issues are widespread across other channels.

The BBC has spent three months investigating claims that Giovanni Pernice was “abusive” towards his former dance partner Amanda Abbington.

The report was due to be revealed earlier this month but the date clashed with disgraced Huw Edwards’ court case over child abuse images.

Craig, 59, said: “We want the results sooner rather than later.”

But he added: “It’s not just the BBC, though, is it? The BBC is in the public eye because of its public funding.  has the same issues.”

Giovanni has denied the claims made against him.

Strictly bosses have started implementing new rules after the show was plunged into chaos after Graziano Di Prima was axed from the show following claims he claims he hit, spat at and kicked Zara McDermott.

They are considering hiring chaperones for the stars, who will sit in the training room during rehearsals.

Craig added: “All I can say is, first, chaperones are a good idea. Second, thank goodness things have changed. I had a Russian ballet teacher who used a cane to make us raise our legs higher.

“You couldn’t do that now. A choreographer can’t even touch a dancer’s arm to put it in the correct place, but at least it means everyone feels protected.”

He told The Times magazine that he believes that despite the controversy, the show will make a glowing comeback.

“Yes I want to know the results of the investigation – let’s see what issues need addressing. But let’s also not forget the absolute joy it brings.”

This comes as Pete Wicks and Nick Knowles have been signed up for the show.

Only six women are competing in this year’s programme and there are nine men taking part.

That means 40 per cent of celebrities in this year’s show are women, while in most years it has been roughly a 50/50 split between the sexes.

A TV insider said: “Looking at the figures, it’s hard to see how the ongoing controversy over bullying could not have affected the recruitment process for this year’s Strictly.

“At no point in the show’s history has there been such a small proportion of women.

“It probably wasn’t the landmark number they wanted, given the show is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

“The most serious claims of abuse and bullying have involved male pros and their treatment of female celebrity dance partners.

Judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse are returning, with Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly at the helm.