Strictly Come Dancing contestant Nick Knowles has spoken out about the importance of listening to complaints, following a series of allegations made by celebrities about their treatment on the show. Knowles, who has presented DIY SOS for 24 years, is one of 15 famous faces set to compete in the new series of the hit BBC show.
The show, now in its 20th year, has faced challenges in recent months with celebrities like Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott coming forward with their experiences. Knowles emphasized the importance of people being heard and acknowledged the steps taken by the BBC to address welfare concerns, such as introducing chaperones in all rehearsals.
Other celebrity contestants, including Eighties popstar Toyah Willcox and former Love Islander Tasha Ghouri, praised the efforts made by the Strictly team to ensure a positive experience for all participants. Willcox highlighted the openness and support provided, while Ghouri emphasized the importance of moving forward.
The 2024 lineup includes a diverse range of celebrities, such as actor and singer Shayne Ward, Olympic hockey player Sam Quek, and reality TV stars Ghouri and Pete Wicks. Training is currently underway, with contestants sharing their experiences of stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing the challenges of learning new dance routines.
The new series of Strictly comes after a period of controversy, with allegations of a toxic culture and mistreatment of contestants and staff. An investigation by the BBC is ongoing, and changes have been implemented to address the issues raised. Contestant JB Gill, a former winner of the Strictly Christmas special, expressed confidence in the show’s efforts to prevent further incidents.
This year’s series has been hailed as the most accessible yet, with live signing available for the first time on BBC iPlayer and red button. Deaf contestant Tasha Ghouri, who campaigns for deaf awareness, praised the inclusion of live signing and the show’s commitment to making everyone feel included and valued.
The Strictly Come Dancing 2024 launch show is set to air on Saturday 14 September at 19:20 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, promising an exciting and inclusive season ahead.
