Strictly Come Dancing’s professionals are reportedly furious they’ve been ‘hung out to dry’ by their former celebrity partners, as claims of abuse and bullying from former contestants continue to grow.

The show has been engulfed in a growing crisis in recent weeks, with multiple stars making accusations of abuse and bullying towards their partners during their time on the BBC show.

Now, as the professionals returned to training this week, sources are claiming that many feel they haven’t been protected by BBC bosses as ‘more and more’ celebrities come forward.

A source told The Mirror: ‘It’s causing untold stress and mental anguish to so many of them as every day there are new accusations. 

‘Yes, one or two of the celebs in the last 20 years might have had a bad experience but they are in a tiny minority. The whole thing smacks of ambulance chasing.’

It’s also been reported that dancers are calling for BBC bosses to introduce more stringent psychological testing while casting for the show, pointing to ITV rival shows such as Love Island and Dancing On Ice.

Duty of protocols from Love Island bosses show they offer ‘pre-filming psychological and medical assessments including assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and reports from each Islander’s own GP to check medical history.’

The source added: ‘It’s a tough show and some celebs aren’t prepared for what it entails and just want to enjoy the publicity and airtime. Unfortunately it doesn’t work like that.’

MailOnline has contacted a representative for the BBC for comment. 

As this year’s pros headed back to rehearsals on Tuesday, some were quick to share subtle messages of support for the show.

The stars of the scandal-hit BBC stalwart flashed peace signs and made heart shapes with their hands as they arrived at the studio in London’s Camden.

Their show of love for the programme came as BBC chief Tim Davie apologised for the alleged mistreatment that some celebrities have claimed to have experienced.

Finally breaking his silence on the scandal, the director general said he was ‘very sorry’ to anyone who ‘has had an experience on Strictly that hasn’t been wholly positive’ and vowed to ‘reflect on’ the complaints that have been made.

The show’s pros have now returned to rehearsals ahead of the new season after MailOnline revealed bosses are keen to get the series under way

The insider told us: ‘This year’s Strictly is the 20th anniversary and it will be a celebration of the show and its history.

‘The BBC will want to draw an immediate line under what has happened. The show can’t start soon enough’.

As the stars of the show reunited at the studio, many made their feelings known as they shared cryptic signs of support.

Luba Mushtuk wore a jacket which had the phrase ‘don’t do chit chat’ printed across the back, while Nikita Kuzmin flashed a peace sign and Aljaz Skorjanec a thumbs up.

Despite the recent furore surrounding the show, Aljaz he made a cheery arrival for rehearsals.

Celebrities have been forming a ‘secret support group’ to ‘compare notes’ about their experience on Strictly amid claims show veterans are at risk of being axed.

Strictly is reportedly in ‘panic mode’ behind the scenes amid the show’s ongoing misconduct chaos as things get ‘worse by the day’. 

Davie was speaking to journalists on the BBC’s annual report day as he delivered a speech on the future of the corporation.

He said there will inevitably be ‘competitiveness, hard work and the will to do well’ on the show, ‘but there are limits and the line should never be crossed’.  He added: ‘We will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind.’

Asked if he is confident the show will go ahead this series, Mr Davie said: ‘I need to be assured we have the right safeguarding and duty of care in place, and that is the first question I ask.

‘I am assured by the robust actions we have taken in terms of the changes we have made … that we are in a position to deliver a very good season this year and that has been my focus.’

He continued: ‘With that assurance, I’m looking forward to the next season.’

Addressing how he felt when the allegations first emerged about the show, he said he was ‘disappointed’.

He added: ‘I’m very sorry that anyone has had an experience on Strictly that hasn’t been wholly positive, I think that is something we do reflect on, and I’m sorry about that.’

Mr Davie told journalists: ‘Strictly is a wonderful show that brings a lot of joy to a lot of people, and has done so for 20 years, to both those involved with the show itself and to millions of people at home.

‘Hundreds of people, be they pros, contestants or crew, have been part of it and had a brilliant experience.

‘At the same time, if someone feels there was something wrong or they wanted to talk about their experience, then, of course, we want them to raise that with us and be in no doubt, we will take it seriously, listen and deal with it as appropriate.

‘While I’m not going to talk about individuals, you can see evidence of that in recent weeks. So, I hope that anyone who does want to talk to us feels they can.

‘It is vital that we have the right protocols and structures in place for the show. We keep these under review, and as you know we confirmed changes to these last week. It is essential these are right for everyone.

‘Of course, alongside the fun and entertainment, there will be a degree of competitiveness, hard work, and a will to do well, that’s part of what makes this show. But there are limits and the line should never be crossed.

‘We will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind.

On Sunday, former contestant Will Bayley became the latest star to speak about his experiences on the show, after concerns were raised about the treatment of contestants Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott. 

The BBC show has been engulfed by drama since Giovanni Pernice was suspended after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour, saying he was ‘cruel and mean.’ He denies the claims. 

It was followed by Graziano Di Prima’s sacking last month over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals. Graziano has apologised for kicking his former partner and added other allegations do not align with ‘how he remembers it.’

Now a source has told The Mirror: ‘This crisis shows no signs of abating. it’s fill panic stations mode as there is not a clear path out of this mess. 

Before adding: ‘It’s getting worse by the day’.

It follows reports that former Strictly contestants are reportedly forming a ‘secret support group’ to discuss their experience with pro dancers on the show.

Celebrities have been ‘comparing notes and building cases’ against their previous partner to bring to BBC bosses, as more and more stars speak out.

As insiders fear the family show is ‘fatally tarnished’, it seems the list of allegations could be getting bigger as former celebs form an alliance.

A source told The Sun: ‘Lots of the celebrities that have been on the show are getting together, calling each other and WhatsApping each other.

‘They’re saying, “Well, this one did this to me, did this happen to you? Was this right? I was pushed. Or I got a bruised toe,” and building cases to what shouldn’t have been allowed. They’re all comparing notes, as it were.’

The source added: ‘So, it’s really the celebs versus the dancers and former dancers, who are all worried for their jobs now because the celebs have got back their power.’

BBC bosses are reportedly considering axing five of it’s longest- serving dancers.

A source told The Sun: ‘There’s the fear that being on the show leaves them more open to feeling entitled and untouchable’.

‘It’s not a done deal, and it’s not just going to be a case of the oldest or longest-serving being shown the door. It would be a carefully considered process, with other factors taken into account too.

Before adding: ‘The fact that the BBC are even considering making big changes and bringing in fresh blood is a sign of how keen they are to move on and make every effort to ensure nothing like this happens again’.

It follows MailOnline’s exclusive that the show’s most senior boss’ job is under threat following the huge scandal that’s currently engulfing the hit BBC One ballroom show.

Suzy Lamb, who is in charge of all of BBC Studio’s entertainment programmes – including Strictly – is fighting for her role as the Corporation undergoes a restructure.

Sources inside the BBC suggest that fall out on the Saturday night dance series will ‘harm’ her chances of getting a newly merged job which she is fighting another colleague to win.

The Beeb will be merging Ms Lamb’s role as Managing Director of Entertainment and Music, with Hannah Wyatt’s job as Managing Director of Factual Entertainment ad Events Productions – leaving only one job open.

The new role will create a giant new unscripted division at BBC Studios which will oversee entertainment, music, factual and events.

Both women joined the corporation in 2017 but the feeling is that Ms Wyatt will get the newly greatly role.

Lamb joined BBC Studios from production company Thames, where she was head of entertainment and launched Take Me Out with Paddy McGuinness as well as overseeing X-Factor.

A source said: ‘The Strictly scandal has been very damaging to Suzy. She’s the top boss so the buck stops with her. There’s clearly been a culture behind the scenes on the show, and with every former contestant that speaks out, it all comes back to Suzy.’

Steve Backshall complained to the BBC about his professional partner on Strictly Come Dancing Ola Jordan back in 2014 claiming she ‘bullied’ him.

The hardened explorer and presenter – who has dived with Great White sharks and wrestled poisonous snakes in his career – lodged a complaint with the channel after struggling in gruelling practice sessions

After he made the complaint the pair were assigned a chaperone to follow them around after he refused to be alone with the now 41-year-old Polish-born dancer. 

The programme’s bosses were forced to step in after he alleged that she had dented his confidence with her ‘rude and impatient’ manner.

A source close to the show explained at the time: ‘Steve is a very bouncy personality, up for any challenge, but Ola’s harsh treatment has flattened him and made him lose confidence.

‘She was very rude and impatient when he found it difficult to master the shapes for last Saturday’s Charleston.

‘Her choreography and tuition was so tough, Steve resorted to asking other people to show him what he had to do. 

‘Ola is a cold and very distant personality, who refuses to mix with Steve’s family and friends,’ the source added.

It is understood that Steve complained directly to one of the Strictly producers after their Halloween-themed Charleston.

Bosses then called Ola in for a meeting and agreed that she and Steve would be accompanied at all times while they remained in the competition.

At the time Steve told how he struggled with the physical demands of the series.

He told the Daily Mail he was unable to point the toes of his left foot because his ankle was fused in a near-fatal climbing accident in 2008.

A show insider said at the time: ‘Ola is a strict taskmaster. She sees real potential in Steve and thinks he could go the distance in the competition. 

‘She took the trophy with Chris Hollins and would love to win again – and with the mums’ and kids’ votes behind them, Steve is a real contender.’ 

Meanwhile questions have been raised over whether Strictly will survive as Janette Manrara has broken her silence after Paralympian Will Bayley claimed she made him redo a jump that caused a lifelong injury – amid the latest drama for the ‘fatally tarnished’ show

A BBC spokesperson for the It Takes Two host said the professional dancer has never received any complaints regarding her training methods.

Table tennis player Will, 36, claimed he sustained a lifelong injury while jumping during a performance on the show and blamed his then-partner Janette.

A representative for Janette told the BBC: ‘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.’

Will was born with arthrogryposis which limits the range of motion in the joints of his limbs and completed the move with straight knees. He opened up about the daily pain he suffers from over the weekend. 

A resurfaced clip aired during that year’s live shows has shown the devastating moment Will was curled up on the floor in pain after the jump.

The video heard Tess explaining that Will had been injured and would not be dancing that week, as it cut to the sportsman lying on the floor in agony with a medic crouched down helping with first aid.

Janette was also seen visibly distressed as she sat comforting her celebrity partner. In a later part of the video, Janette was herself consoled by fellow professional dancer Nancy Xu. 

‘I jumped off the table and as I landed, I landed with straight legs,’ Will said in the VT at the time. 

‘I thought I’d broke my leg because I’d never felt anything like it before but luckily it’s not as severe as what I thought when I first did it. 

‘To hear the words I “absolutely can’t dance” is just really gutting for me but I need to recover now and come back even stronger next week.’ 

Will was given a week’s pass before he had to withdraw from the competition completely when his injury meant he would have to miss another live show. 

Recalling the ‘horrific pain’ he experienced as he crashed to the ground, the gold medallist, admitted he thought ‘his whole career was over.

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Source: New York Post