How Strictly is trying to save face in wake of many scandals

Strictly Come Dancing has been dealt another blow after shocked viewers spotted Katya Jones pushing her partner Wynne Evans' hand away from her during Saturday night's show.

Fans noted 'tension' between the pair, prompting them to take to social media and apologise after the show as they insisted they were only joking around.

It's the latest drama to befall the show, which has been going into overdrive to move on from a year of scandals. 

The show has found itself marred by controversy over how the professional dancers teach the celebrities, with multiple accusations emerging of bullying and abusive behaviour.

Actress Amanda Abbington unexpectedly quit the show last October before claiming her partner Giovanni Pernice was abusive towards her.

A subsequent BBC investigation saw the former Strictly professional, 34, cleared of the majority of allegations made against him by the star, while six were upheld, and is now moving on with his career plans. 

The competition was then hit with a fresh wave of scandal when Graziano Di Prima was sacked in July for 'kicking' his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott.

While, the BBC have introduced new anti-bullying measures for the stars, including a dedicated helpline and chaperones at rehearsals it dodged any mention of the show's string of scandals during its launch episode.

Viewers have branded the new series 'sickly sweet' and threatened to 'switch off' as a result. 

Yet it's not just on screen that the show has been hamming up its family friendly image.  

From former participants reuniting with their professional partners, to reduced rehearsal times and raving reviews... now, MailOnline takes a look at all the signs that Strictly Come Dancing bosses are battling to save face. 

Ed Balls enjoys a roast with his former partner Katya Jones 

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Ed Balls reunited with his professional partner Katya Jones over the weekend with the duo enjoying a Sunday roast. 

The Good Morning Britain presenter and former Cabinet minister was a contestant on series 14 of the BBC competition in 2016 and survived until week 10.

And proving their friendship is still going strong, Ed congratulated the 'brilliant and amazing'' Katya 

'Katya popped round for Sunday lunch today after her brilliant cha cha cha with partner and Mrs Doubtfure look-alike Wynne Evans - he did brilliantly. 

'She is the most amazing teacher and choreographer... and she loves Yorkshire Puddings.'

He joked: 'Although they are a little over-done cos she was telling me a never-ending story which carried on even though the 15 minute timer was pinging and I finally had to shout Stop! and whip them out.'

Jowita Prystal heaps praise on Pete Wicks  

Jowita Prystal gushed over her partner Pete Wicks after the couple made it through to week four of the competition following movie week on Saturday. 

Taking to her Instagram, the dancer described the TOWIE star as 'unbelievable' as she thanked fans for their continued support. 

She wrote: 'And we are through to another week. Can’t thank you enough for all your support!

'Your love and kindness means a world to us. We cannot wait to start another week x

'@p_wicks01 you gave it all last night, your hard work and commitment is unbelievable x'. 

Referencing their George And The Jungle themed Samba she added: 'I change, George is lucky I guess, to Ursula is very lucky to dance with George.'

BBC bosses slash rehearsal time 

For two decades, Strictly's contestants have endured gruelling long days in the rehearsal studio, toiling away to ensure their Saturday-night routines are perfect.

But following the bullying scandal engulfing the programme, BBC bosses have banned couples from training for more than six hours at a time, in an attempt to stop tempers fraying from exhaustion, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. 

One show insider says: 'It's hoped this will create a better environment for the celebs, in the wake of all the mistreatment claims. 

'It has been accepted that the long hours are not helpful and are often behind fallouts and frayed tempers.

'The new rules mean most couples are now starting earlier in the morning and finishing in the early afternoon, which means everyone is far less tired.'

Strictly sources say the new rules mean that if contestants want to spend longer practising, they have to split their training into two shifts and take a 'significant' break between them.

Another source added: 'You get some contestants who are determined to win and they will train and train and train. 

And while that is to be applauded, it causes tiredness and frustration which isn't always such a positive thing.'

However, insiders say the new regime will spark concerns that celebrities won't reach the same high standards as previously, widening the gulf between amateur dancers and the more experienced ones. 

Toyah Willcox details how the BBC made her 'feel safe'

Toyah Willcox detailed the lengths the BBC have gone to in order to make the rehearsals 'feel safe' following the last series' bullying scandals. 

The eighties pop star, 66, who was the oldest contestant to compete in this year's series before being voted off last weekend, said training so far is 'one of the happiest experiences of my life' and it has been a 'long time since she has felt this well looked after'.

As she prepares to take to the ballroom this weekend, Toyah revealed the stars now have a 'psychologist with them all day' while in the studio and the professional dancers are 'all supportive and lovely'.

Writing on her The Official Toyah Willcox Website September blog, she said: 'Over the past six weeks I have been filming VTs, doing great press, lots of photo shoots, I’ve even had bra fittings and meeting my fellow celebs who are all fantastic AND I have danced with all of the pro dancers, they are all supportive and lovely.

'I feel safe with this team. We have a psychologist with us all day, an amazing celeb producer, stunning press team…….It’s a long time since I have felt this well looked after. Here in Strictly world they want us celebs to know they are here to support us 360 degrees.'

'We have been working together for almost a month now. All the pro dancers tell us to eat as much as we can. I can feel my weight going up, I don’t need a lot of food, my energy is in my genes.'

'We have the most amazing people looking after us. Costumes/ hair/ make up/ talent support and psychologists who check in hourly.' 

Anton Du Beke heaps praise on Chris McCausland

Anton Du Beke has described Chris McCausland's dancing on Strictly Come Dancing as 'the most brilliant thing I have ever seen on the show'.

The blind comedian, 47, and his professional partner Dianne Buswell have wowed BBC viewers with their incredible performances so far. 

And Anton, 58, has gushed that he finds Chris' dancing 'extraordinary' and 'phenomenal' as he continues to judge him like every other contestant.

Anton said: 'I think we made a mention of it in week one how he can't see but can dance like that. Now we don't talk about it because he wants to be judged like everyone else. But I have to tell you, he can't see and he is standing on sofas and jumping off things, perfect timing.

'He is making it look a bit easy if I am honest. It is just so extraordinary I find it difficult to put into words, really, how gripping it is. And what a job Dianne is doing, I would have kept him in hold and gone to the side and I would have gone forward. 

'She has said 'off you go'. Just brilliant. Really, the timing is exquisite. His sense of rhythm is phenomenal. I have to tell you I think it is the most brilliant thing I have ever seen on Strictly Come Dancing.'

Gorka Márquez hails Strictly 'the best show on earth' 

Strictly Come Dancing's Gorka Márquez praised the show for helping him build a family. 

The professional dancer, 33, who is a father of two, shares two children, Mia, four, and Thiago, 11 months, with former Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson, 39. 

Gorka and Gemma, who have been engaged since 2021, first met in 2017 when she was partnered with his co-star pal Aljaž Škorjanec. 

Despite both being on the show, the pair only got close with one another after the competition. 

While Strictly has been in turmoil following Amanda Abbington's bombshell interview, Gorka called the show 'the best on earth'.  

He told the Daily Star: 'Strictly has changed my life, if you look back and go back nine years ago, I came here to the UK for the first time to do Strictly, after never been here before, and now look at me now, I have a family, a partner, two children all because of Strictly.

'The romance between us didn't start until we did the tour, as on the show we only used to hang out first as a group and in rehearsals.

'But then we were on tour after the Strictly, we had more time and would say "let's go for a coffee" or "I'm going to the gym, can I come with you?" so then we ended up spending a lot of time together, we were like travelling every day to different cities.'

Shayne Ward opens up on chaperones 

Shayne Ward has lifted the lid on working with the newly-introduced chaperones on Strictly Come Dancing, amid the ongoing bullying and abuse allegations that have engulfed the show.

The Coronation Street star, 39, shared insight into the BBC's new duty of care protocols, as the celebrities and pros prepare for the 20th series, which kicks off on September 14.

Detailing how chaperones have been present during the training sessions, Shayne told MailOnline: 'You can't see them, but they're there. If you ever need them, just call and they're there.'

'If you need that duty of care or if you feel like you need anything, something on your mind or worried about anything, or just have a chat, they're there.'

The singer added: 'They're not on your shoulder, just sat away in a corner.'

In July BBC bosses announced plans to introduce chaperones during training in all future rehearsals to 'strengthen welfare and support on Strictly Come Dancing'.

It came along with the appointment of also two new welfare producers, after Graziano Di Prima's shock sacking from the show.

A statement from the corporation said: 'Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals. The actions we announce today are designed to address that.'

The new measures include a member of the production team being present during training room rehearsals at all times, and increased support for both celebrity contestants and the professional dancers.

Dan Walker reunites with his Strictly co-star Nadiya Bychkova

Dan Walker reunited with his Strictly Come Dancing co-star Nadiya Bychkova as they performed at The Royal Albert Hall for Prom Praise: Chariots of Fire Live. 

The broadcaster pulled his dancing shoes back on as he took to the stage with the professional dancer for the event. 

The pair were partnered up for the nineteenth series of the hit BBC show back in 2021 and they reached Week 11, coming fifth. 

Dan dressed smart in a black striped suit while Nadiya looked sensational in a dazzling grey gown which featured sheer sleeves and feathered edging. 

Dan teased the reunion on Instagram last month as the pair rehearsed their 'lyrical cross between an American Smooth & a Viennese Waltz' dance. 

Alongside a selfie, he wrote: 'Great to be back in the rehearsal room with professional partner and multiple world champion, @nadiyabychkova. 

'We have been asked to dance at the Royal Albert Hall to the iconic Chariots of Fire music from Vangelis!!!

Praise 2024 - a live celebration of 100 years since Eric Liddell famously won his gold medal at the Paris Olympics'

'Good news: Nadiya has choreographed something beautiful - “a lyrical cross between an American Smooth & a Viennese Waltz”.

'Good news 2: my Strictly trousers still fit.

'Bad News: I have forgotten how much your body aches.

'It has been great to dance again and I can’t wait for Saturday night. There is a full orchestra and choir and it’s going to be incredible.'