Strictly Come Dancing has been no stranger to controversy in recent years, particularly when it comes to allegations of bullying and misconduct. 

The latest discussion surrounding the popular BBC dance show comes from actress Stephanie Beacham, 

who recently voiced her support for a stricter approach to training, even suggesting that she could have benefitted from a more challenging experience during her time on the show.

A Show Mired in Controversy

The debate over the treatment of contestants and professional dancers on Strictly was reignited in 2023 when actress Amanda Abbington accused her professional partner, 

Giovanni Pernice, of ‘toxic’ and ‘degrading’ behavior. 

These claims led to an internal investigation by the BBC. While Pernice denied any wrongdoing, the investigation upheld certain complaints against him, 

though he was cleared of the most serious allegations related to physical aggression.

Fellow professional dancer Graziano Di Prima also found himself at the center of controversy when claims surfaced regarding his behavior towards his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott. Like Pernice, Di Prima denied the allegations.

Following these incidents, other former contestants came forward with their own experiences, alleging instances of mistreatment behind the scenes. However, in a surprising turn, former Strictly contestant Stephanie Beacham has taken a different stance, suggesting that the tough training approach often perceived as ‘bullying’ may actually be necessary for success in competitive dancing.

Stephanie Beacham’s Perspective on Strict Training

Beacham, who participated in Strictly Come Dancing in 2007, was paired with professional dancer Vincent Simone. Despite her enthusiasm for the show, she and Simone were eliminated in the second week. Now, reflecting on her time in the competition, Beacham has expressed that she believes she could have benefitted from a more rigorous training style.

“How else do you learn to dance?” Beacham said in a recent interview. She went on to describe her own experiences teaching dancers, noting that strict instruction is often a necessary component of professional training. “Dance teachers can be punishing horrors,” she added, acknowledging that high expectations and demanding training environments are common in the dance world.

Unlike other contestants who have spoken out against their experiences on the show, Beacham suggested that she may have actually needed a stricter training regimen. “I didn’t have any bullying on Strictly; I think I should have had a bit more!” she admitted.

Strictly: A Grueling Competition

Beacham also shed light on the competitive nature of Strictly Come Dancing, emphasizing that not everyone is cut out for the rigorous training required. “You’ve got to have a competitive nature for Strictly, which I haven’t,” she admitted.

The Dynasty star recalled her brief time on the show, describing her elimination as one of the most difficult moments of her career. After finding herself in the bottom two with actress Letitia Dean, Beacham admitted that she was actually rooting for her opponent. “While we were waiting, I said to Letitia under my breath, ‘Go for it, because I want out!’” she confessed.

A Divisive Opinion on Training Culture

Beacham’s comments offer a stark contrast to the ongoing debate surrounding Strictly’s training culture. While some contestants have expressed distress over alleged harsh treatment, Beacham believes that intense training is a fundamental part of the competition.

However, her perspective does not discount the concerns raised by former contestants like Abbington, who have called for better safeguards to protect participants from excessive pressure and inappropriate behavior. The BBC has since reviewed its internal policies, ensuring that professional dancers and celebrities alike have access to appropriate support.

Strictly’s Ongoing Evolution

The latest series of Strictly Come Dancing wrapped up in December, but the controversies surrounding the show continue. Several professionals and celebrity contestants have since embarked on a nationwide tour, keeping the spotlight on the program.

During the tour, yet another controversy emerged when Wynne Evans, the opera singer best known for his GoCompare adverts, was removed from the lineup. The decision came after he was caught making an inappropriate comment during a promotional event.

Strictly Come Dancing remains one of the UK’s most beloved reality competitions, but as Beacham’s comments show, the conversation around training methods, contestant treatment, and competition culture is far from over. With contestants past and present offering conflicting views on the show’s environment, the debate over what constitutes ‘tough love’ versus ‘toxic behavior’ is likely to continue for years to come.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.