Winnie Wallace... I don't think it's just pro dancers who are abusive,look at Gordon Ramsay, he's been a bully for years,made a career out of cursing and ridiculing people.

Dancing is a very strict discipline and you have to be firm. The instructors want you to do well. People just can't take criticism now.

Why after almost 20 years are people making these allegations 🤔🤷‍♀️ The professionals work extremely hard and want the best from their celeb partners.. Since this Giovanni allegation a few more has jumped on the bandwagon 😬🤷‍♀️

'Strictly' is a competition involving increasingly demanding physical activity. If 'celebrity' contestants cannot deal with that concept, they should not agree to participate.

I think if I was a professional dancer, I would think long and hard before committing to this programme

Rev Richard is the voice of common sense and reason

These celebs are adults! Simply tell those bossy dancers to back off!

This provides an opportunity to reflect on all the young girls around the world who are expected to endure harsh treatment at dance schools without complaint. The BBC has an opportunity to show the world that excellence can be achieved without tears.🎉

No there is no excuse for abusing the contestants because they want to do well

the dancers should pull out why risk their careers for these pampered so called celebs not wort it they will do better just touring with the dancers and forget the so called celebs

We need context - the show is a pressure cooker. Like ALL "reality" shows. Look at Dancing on Ice and I'm A Celebrity - their contestants have had it tough too. It is not meant to be a walk in the park.

The bullying probably stems from the rude feedback and at times cruel feedback pro dancers have to contend with from the judges

There are a few complaints. In the world of these dancers hard work is the norm. This is getting out of hand and media is stirring it up. Dancers expect a lot from the celebs and if they don't want to put in the work then they shouldn't take part.

This show is supposed to be fun light entertainment. It sounds like some of them have lost sight of that.

I’m not remotely interested in any more scandal or speculation about what might or might not have happened on Strictly and it certainly won’t stop me and millions of others enjoying a show we’ve supported for twenty years!

Google should not be allowed to have a defacto monopoly on video sharing.

And employ teachers who are not abusers

Who recalls allegations by Steve Backshall of being bullied by Ola Jordan?

Intense competition, bullying, rampant egos, darkness behind the glitter - what a surprise! Did anybody ever watch "Strictly Ballroom", Baz Luhrmann's genius low budget debut movie, the movie that actually revived interest in ballroom dancing and made shows like this even possible? It is a MUST-see, not least for Federation President Barry Fife's uncanny resemblance to every bully's favourite bully, Donald Trump - only, the film came out in 1992. Watch it and learn!

I suspect it would be easy to interpret in the training room tough criticism and coaching aimed at getting the best from the celebrity in this highly competative environment as outright bullying. Perhaps particularly if you are an individual suffering from low self esteem.

I have no doubt that he kicked out at her in frustration bad call on his part and impulsive to say the least. But to ruin a career by playing victim is beyond me. Surely she could have pulled him up there and then and closed the matter in private, I'm sure he would have apologised profusely and probably did. Don't get me wrong it is inexcusable but what is her point to take it to this stage...very sad

Get a grip for goodness sake

Discipline is always expected in dance not prima donnas complaining. Seriously anything to sell a story. If you can't do it quit. Shame on the celebs who are moaning. Get real. So Pathetic.

Strictly went woke, and as payment woke wingers came with it.

If we need to pay chaperones what are we saying the teachers are not trust worthy get teachers out who are abusive

It's rather usual to hear a Times employee talk about workplace bullying being unacceptable when it is so rampant in the organisation she works for and the profession she is in.

Dancers are professionals who dedicate a whole lifetime to dance. If the contestants can't come up to it then too bad.

Who is the beardy man pulling faces?

All they do is dance. What on earth is going on

This is so ridiculous, if you have to bring in chaperones for two grown adults, this is not only sad, but truly pathetic, and tells me that the BBC knew it was going on and are just papering over the cracks, and to be honest if all it's going to do is attract this kind of attention, rather than be Saturday night light entertainment, then maybe it's time to call it a day, and move on to new and fresh ideas for Saturday night Television.

Why should they have to do this why can't the dancing teachers treat the contestants with respect and care

It's not rocket 🚀 science

Abuse *

Celebrity and winning. I'm not sure why, but I am reminded of "0ne Man and his Dog", where winning became so important, eventually sheepdog-nobbling (?) became a 'thing'.

What are we excusing here abuse

Shut it down

I don't care they don't abide people

What is it about the BBC and light entertainment. Sulphurous mix.

Its been great, but maybe its time to call it a day, do something different 😢these dancers are getting a bit carried away with themselves!

i believe it, they look like bullies

This show was washed up years ago...went downhill when Bruce and Len sadly departed...absolute joke of a programme now!

What a non story this is. Never get that time back

They are all TOO SOFT NAMBY PAMBY CRY BABIES!

Who is the guy falling asleep?