Will Bayley, a former Strictly star and Paralympian, has claimed that he couldn’t walk for six months after sustaining a lifelong injury on the show and feels that the BBC should apologize for his experience. He accused his pro partner Janette Manrara of making him redo a jump that caused the injury and called for better treatment towards individuals with disabilities. Will emphasized that the ordeal he faced on the show was traumatic and feels that the incident could have been avoided with proper care and support.
During an appearance on This Morning, Will reiterated the trauma he experienced due to his injury on Strictly. He spoke about how he was unable to walk for six months and faced mental challenges while recovering. Will expressed his disappointment in the lack of communication from the BBC following his surgery and emphasized the need for changes on the show to better support those with disabilities. He also called for the show to take responsibility for his injury and show some form of apology.
Janette Manrara, Will’s professional partner on the show, broke her silence on the claims, stating that she had never received any complaints regarding her training methods. She assured that her priority was always the safety and enjoyment of her celebrity partner, including Will. Despite the controversy surrounding his injury, Will clarified that he did not blame Janette for what happened and praised her professionalism and talent.
Following Will’s injury, a resurfaced clip showed the devastating moment when he was in excruciating pain after the jump on the show. Despite being unable to continue in the competition and experiencing horrific pain during the incident, Will praised Janette for being supportive and like a rock to him. His career as a table tennis player was temporarily derailed by the injury, but he eventually returned to win individual and team silver at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
The Strictly show has faced various scandals and allegations in recent years, with several professionals being accused of abusive behavior towards their partners. Amanda Abbington, Giovanni Pernice, Graziano Di Prima, Zara McDermott, and Ola Jordan have all been involved in controversies related to mistreatment or abuse. The revelations of such misconduct have led to increased scrutiny of the program’s practices and the welfare of its participants, including the introduction of chaperones during training.
The controversy surrounding abuse and mistreatment on Strictly has drawn attention to the need for greater accountability and support for participants, particularly those with disabilities like Will Bayley. As the show grapples with various scandals and allegations, there is a growing call for systemic changes to ensure the safety, well-being, and dignity of all individuals involved. The incidents involving Will, Janette, and other participants highlight the importance of addressing issues of abuse, misconduct, and inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
