'Over the line' | BBC apologises after Strictly Come Dancing stars accused of bullying contestants

The BBC has apologised to Strictly Come Dancing contestants after the show was hit by allegations of misconduct and bullying behaviour from some of its professional dancers.

The show, which has been running for 20 years and has been immensely popular in those two decades, was recently hit with accusations of bullying and poor behaviour behind the scenes.

In particular, just last week, news broke that the broadcaster had dismissed one of Strictly’s pros, Graziano Di Prima. Multiple reports circulating online allege there was physical and verbal abuse aimed at Zara McDermott, a celebrity with whom Di Prima was partnered during last year’s show.

A spokesperson for the BBC confirmed Di Prima was "no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series", which airs in September.