ITV dispute Michael Barrymore’s claims he ‘witnessed abuse’ on Dancing on Ice which was ‘worse than Strictly’

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 programme is taking place. The ballroom and Latin competition has been scrutinised recently after allegations came forward against several pro dancers, and concerns were raised about the treatment of contestants including Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott.

Sherlock actress Amanda, who quit Strictly last year after five weeks, has described her former dance partner Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour as ‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’. He’s denied the claims. Graziano Di Prima shockingly left the programme and said he ‘deeply regrets’ the events that led to his departure.

More celebrities have since criticised their treatment while participating in the series.

Michael, 72, was announced as one of the cast members for Dancing On Ice 2020 but was forced to pull out of the competition weeks before it began due to a wrist injury. He claims that prior to his departure he witnessed abuse, and says he is now wondering why the skating show hasn’t also been ‘under fire’.

‘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.

ITV have since responded to his comments. ‘We do not recognise these unsubstantiated claims,’ a spokesman shared. 

‘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.’

After his early exit, Michael appeared on This Morning and told then-hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby that he’d ‘loved every single second’.

He also thanked Phil for saying he was ‘heartbroken’ to see Michael leave the contest.

‘Even last night, you know when you said you were heartbroken, some people say it and you go, “Oh it’s a bit theatrical”,’ he said at the time.

‘I didn’t feel that, I thought it was really genuine. So thank you for that.’

Earlier today, the director general of the BBC apologised to Strictly contestants who have had an experience that ‘hasn’t been wholly positive’.

Tim Davie told journalists that 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.’

The BBC is taking measures to introduce ‘practical steps’ to support welfare. Dance rehearsals will now be monitored, and a production team member will be present during training room rehearsals at all times.