Yahoo News Strictly's Janette Manara says there have been no complaints about her
Janette Manrara has never received any complaints during her time on the show
Former Strictly pro Janette Manara has spoken out after Will Bayley discussed his 2019 injury in rehearsals. Her rep confirmed there had been no complaints about the former pro dancer during her eight years on-screen.
Her spokesperson told Yahoo: "Janette had a great time dancing with Will and one of her favourite moments on the show was doing their contemporary couples choice. Her celebrity partner's safety and enjoyment was always the priority throughout her time on Strictly. Janette has never received any complaints and has maintained friendships with all her partners, including Will."
Bayley is the latest star to speak out about his experience on the BBC series as he claimed he has suffered with a life-long injury to his knee. The injury forced him to quit the BBC show at the time. "No one has ever contacted me from the BBC or said sorry," he claimed to The Sun in a new interview.
Strictly is in crisis after allegations of misconduct have been emerging about the BBC show. Allegations of misconduct first emerged when Amanda Abbington quit the 2023 series early and later claimed Giovanni Pernice had a "militant" approach to teaching. Pernice has left Strictly but he rejected claims of "abusive or threatening behaviour".
Graziano Di Prima was axed from Strictly's 2024 line-up after he kicked Zara McDermott in 2023 rehearsals. His representative told the BBC: "He knows he's made a mistake. He apologised at the time." McDermott broke her silence, saying: "Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch."
Will Bayley's Strictly's injury
This weekend, Bayley spoke about his Strictly injury — torn knee ligaments — that forced him to pull out of the 2019 series. He was born with arthrogryposis meaning there are limits in the range of motion in his joints.
The Paralympian recalled how Manrara told him his jump was "rubbish" when he leaped off a table for the dance routine so he had another go but unfortunately he was left in "horrific pain" after hearing his "leg crack".
Bayley said he "didn’t have an issue" with Manrara and they have remained friends since their time on the 2019 series which Manrara also said. "Now feels like the right time to speak up," he told the newspaper. "We practiced a few times and I was really careful. But then Janette said my jump was ‘rubbish’ and I needed to smile more and go for it and show a bit of passion.
"I was really determined, so I went for it and smiled at the camera. When I landed I just had the most horrific pain. I still have flashbacks now. I was lying on the floor thinking my whole career was over. I heard my leg crack, I couldn’t breathe."
How has the BBC responded?
The BBC has responded to Bayley's claims in his latest interview.
A BBC spokesperson said: “We have longstanding protocols for dealing with injuries if they occur and that includes contestants receiving all necessary treatment and support as required.” Yahoo has reached out to the BBC for further comment.
It comes after the BBC is making huge changes to Strictly in the wake of the misconduct allegations. Chaperones and two dedicated welfare officers are among the new set of guidelines being rolled out for the dance show ahead of the 2024 series.
A statement from the corporation said: "The BBC is today announcing additional steps to strengthen welfare and support on Strictly Come Dancing. Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals. The actions we announce today are designed to address that."
