STRICTLY Come Dancing bosses have banned long training sessions in the wake of the show’s bullying scandal.
Professionals and celebrities will only be allowed up to six hours in the rehearsal studios at a time to keep couples sweet.
Strictly Come Dancing couples will only be allowed to train for six hours at a time[/caption]
There will also be chaperones watching on in rehearsals[/caption]
TV sources say the move will help to improve relationships between couples[/caption]
Producers believe that exhaustion is one of the main factors behind arguments, say show insiders.
But some critics have hit back at the move, saying the standard of dancing won’t match up to previous years.
A source told The Mail on Sunday: “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.”
If contestants want to spend longer rehearsing, they will have to split their training into two shifts and factor in a substantial break between them.
One TV insider said that some contestants are “determined to win” and will want to spend all their time practicing.
They added that whilst that’s a positive thing, it can lead to tiredness and frustration.
Another show insider said that less time in rehearsals will lower the chances of the “Strictly curse” unfolding between partners.
There are also chaperones this year to watch over rehearsals and make sure everything is above board.
The six-hour training limit also means that they won’t have to pay the chaperones overtime.
The Sun has approached the BBC for comment.
This is one of the new rules put in place after the show was rocked by claims of threatening behaviour between dancers and their partners.
Last year Graziano Di Prima was sacked after kicking Zara McDermott during rehearsals, which he has since apologised for.
Amanda Abbington also claimed that her partner Giovanni Pernice bullied her, which is currently under investigation.
Details of the five-month inquiry are expected to be revealed within a fortnight.
Graziano Di Prima was booted off the show for his threatening behaviour towards Zara McDermott[/caption]
Amanda Abbington claimed former partner Giovanni Pernice gave her PTSD[/caption]
The couples took to the dance floor for a second week[/caption]
Some critics claim the standards of the dancing will be affected by the decision[/caption]
