Dancing on Ice bosses introduce '24-hour hotline' for bullying claims after Strictly report
Dancing on Ice bosses have reportedly launched a 24-hour hotline for contestants to report any instances of bullying, in a proactive move to safeguard participants and avoid the kind of bullying scandal that recently hit Strictly Come Dancing. The ITV show's producers allegedly sent out a detailed six-page letter to the 12 celebrities lined up for the January 2025 series, reassuring them they can voice concerns "without fear of abuse".
Each contestant will also have a dedicated producer to look after their "wellbeing", following allegations made over at the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing against former pro Giovanni Pernice by Amanda Abbington, and the exit of Graziano Di Prima, a source told The Sun. "ITV puts the welfare of show contestants at the heart of what they do," the source claimed.
They continued, "No one needs another Strictly – and Dancing on Ice bosses want their stars to feel like they can speak out if something isn't right. They will have access to a 24-hour hotline manned by professionals to raise concerns about any bullying or to get help with their mental health.
READ MORE:Kate Winslet finally addresses the Titanic door question after 25 years of fan theories
READ MORE:Strictly's Shayne Ward dealt huge blow ahead of live show amid fight to make it to Blackpool
"They have also been given a letter outlining what they should expect from the show and how they should conduct themselves. This year's celebs have said they appreciate the measures. To know they have support like this is reassuring."
Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern are confirmed to return as hosts for the upcoming season.
A warning letter has also reportedly been sent to contestants, including former EastEnders star Charlie Brooks, TV personality Ferne McCann, and ex-footballer Anton Ferdinand, stating that participating in the series may leave them "mentally and physically drained". Earlier this year, Michael Barrymore, who was set to participate in the 2020 series but withdrew due to injury, alleged that he witnessed dancers being abused on the show, a claim that ITV denied.
The 72 year old stated: "I find it bewildering that BBC's Strictly is the only production under fire... when ITV's Dancing on Ice treated their celebrities and dancers exactly the same – if not worse. Even I witnessed abuse from producers at ITV and I had a very short stint with them."
An ITV spokesperson responded, saying: "We do not recognise these unsubstantiated claims."
