Strictly winner Chris McCausland reveals real reason for show feuds as he opens up on behind the scenes clashes
STRICTLY winner Chris McCausland has revealed the real reason for show feuds as he opened up on behind the scenes clashes.
Chris, 47, weighed in on the scandals in a new interview, admitting he understands why tensions sometimes arise between celebrities and their dance partners.
The BBC favourite was at the center of controversy throughout much of 2024 after Amanda Abbington accused her partner Giovanni Pernice of bullying during training.
The allegations led to an internal investigation by the broadcaster, ultimately resulting in Giovanni being axed.
Now, Chris, who won the 2024 series alongside Dianne Buswell, has spoken about the pressures of the show, acknowledging that differing priorities between celebrities and professionals can sometimes cause friction.
He told : “Some people's objective might be to survive another week, whereas from the dancers' point of view, the objective is to succeed because that's their profession; that's what their reputation is based on. I can see that there can be a clash.”
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Chris also admitted he could “see how people struggled with it in the past, because you've got to be tough”.
He continued: "Towards the end it was 15 hours a day, I was broken. I mean, it was relentless.
"Physically I ached. I had lost weight. I’m probably fitter than I’ve been in ages but I was held together with tape at the end.”
The comedian, who became the first blind contestant to win Strictly, also revealed that towards the end of the competition, the intense training regime had taken a toll on him.
Despite the challenges, Chris triumphed over Love Island's Tasha Ghouri, Miranda actress Sarah Hadland, and JLS singer JB Gill in the final.
However, Chris’ winning series took place in one of the most turbulent years for the show.
In their report - which was released in September - the BBC upheld six of the 17 complaints Amanda made and apologised publicly to her.
Their probe ruled that Giovanni had been guilty of bullying behaviour.
In an exclusive interview, she later told us how her stint on the show had been toxic.
Amanda quit Strictly in October 2023, saying she had been diagnosed with PTSD following her stint on the show.
The inquiry heard she suffered a bruised foot at rehearsals, that Giovanni grabbed his crotch in front of dance partners while making lewd comments, and a phone was thrown across the room.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that 'wishes her the best'.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: "Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni's dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda's PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni's training methods weren't acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn't feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a "nightmare situation".
Good Morning Britain host Ranvir Singh was understood to have also complained about her treatment by partner Giovanni in the 2020 series.
TV presenter Laura Whitmore, who danced with Giovanni in 2016, also revealed that she complained to the BBC eight years ago about his inappropriate behaviour.
Giovanni, meanwhile, has always maintained his innocence regarding the allegations, and has continued to vow to clear his name.
The star also seemingly received support of all four judges, who subsequently took part in specialist workshops at Gio's dance school, Ballando.
Giovanni's co-star Graziano Di Prima was sacked after video emerged of him kicking and spitting on his former celebrity partner Zara McDermott.
Previously, Zara broke her silence with a lengthy comment on the alleged "physical incidents".
The Sun also revealed that Zara had broken a leg bone in a tough training session during the show last year.
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The report, launched at the start of the summer, has reportedly cost taxpayers over £250,000 so far.
In light of the probe, the BBC have now put new duty of care protocols in place, including having chaperones in the rehearsal rooms for the celebrities to monitor what goes on.