Michael Barrymore was on Dancing On Ice in 2019 (Picture: David Fisher/REX)
Michael Barrymore has claimed Dancing On Ice is ‘worse’ than Strictly Come Dancing, but ITV have released a statement disputing the claims.
His comments come as a probe into the misconduct on the BBC programme is taking place. The ballroom and Latin competition has been scrutinised recently after it was reported that Graziano Di Prima, 30, left the BBC series following claims of ‘physical incidents’, including allegations he ‘kicked and hit’ his 2023 partner, Zara.
Giovanni Pernice is also under investigation after his most recent partner Amanda Abbington quit Strictly after five weeks in 2023 and claimed to have been left with PTSD. Pernice denies any wrongdoing.
Michael, 72, was part of Dancing On Ice in 2019, but was forced to pull out of the competition before it began due to a wrist injury. He claims that before his departure he witnessed abuse.
‘I find it bewildering that BBC’s #strictly is the only production under fire this week 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…’ he wrote on X.
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ITV have now responded to his comments.
Michael left the series before it properly begun (Picture: David Fisher/REX)
‘We do not recognise these unsubstantiated claims,’ a spokesman told MailOnline.
‘Michael was unable to participate in the live shows for Dancing on Ice owing to an injury sustained in training.
‘This training takes place in public ice skating rinks, where skating marshalls or rink guards are present, or at the show’s filming studio in Bovingdon, under the supervision of the production crew.
‘Additionally, independent skating coaches are often present overseeing training sessions. We have always been very transparent about our welfare processes and are fully committed towards supporting cast and crew on our production. This is always the top priority.’
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