Melanie Sykes launched a fierce attack on BBC bosses during a debate on Russel Quirk’s TalkTV show amid the investigation into Strictly Come Dancing misconduct.
The 53-year-old TV presenter called those in power “misguided” and claimed they had “no respect whatsoever” during the debate over whether the BBC should withdraw its funding.
Melanie accused TV show bosses of portraying the public as ‘the big uncivilised public’ as she discussed the Strictly scandal in an explosive interview.
She said: ‘I’ve heard people in power at the BBC talk about the public as the great illiterates. That’s how much respect they have for you – and it’s zero.
If they think they’re making fantastic television, they’re wrong.
Melanie Sykes, 53, launched a foul-mouthed tirade against BBC bosses during a debate on Russel Quirk’s TalkTV show amid the investigation into Strictly Come Dancing misconduct
A female Strictly dancer could be the next to be accused of abuse, following last week’s revelation that Graziano Di Prima kicked his partner Zara McDermott
And don’t forget that they make their own programs to glorify themselves and give themselves praise for what they do.
“So they pat themselves on the back and generate the money. They’re happy, but you feel like you’re entertained – are you kidding me?”
MailOnline has asked the BBC for comment.
A Strictly dancer could be the next to be accused of assault after it emerged last week that Graziano Di Prima was sacked over a video showing him kicking his partner Zara McDermott.
According to The mirrorthe famous person would angrily yell at the male celebrity if he did the steps incorrectly.
Although the complaint is expected to be emailed to law firm Carter Ruck by Sunday, it reportedly does not contain any allegations of physical abuse. However, it does criticise senior BBC staff for their lack of support, both during and after his time on the show.
A source said: ‘The man in question felt very wronged by his Strictly partner’s behaviour.
‘He claims she flew into a rage several times when he couldn’t get his steps right, and that she once yelled right in his face. They rowed every day.
Amanda Abbington, 50, claimed she suffered PTSD after training with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice last year (pictured in October)
Amanda abruptly left the BBC show due to ‘personal issues’ and has not been seen on screen since, even quitting social media last month after her former dance partner was fired.
Fellow Italian dancer Graziano Di Prima was axed from the show last week after he was accused of kicking and spitting on former Love Island star Zara McDermott
Zara wrote that while much of her time on Strictly was ‘everything I could have imagined’ in the training room, there were ‘particular incidents that were incredibly painful’
‘He was upset, had trouble sleeping and felt isolated in the process. But even worse, he felt completely unsupported by Strictly. When he suffered the setback, it was clear he was struggling but he felt there was no duty of care. After he left the show, he was never contacted again, not even by phone.’
The source added that he was in bad shape and feared a public backlash if he spoke out.
However, it is believed that the relationship was not all negative and that the two ‘got along well at times’, despite there being ‘challenging moments’ too.
The revelations come after Giovanni Pernice, 33, was the first professional to pass through the BBC channel.
A probe is ongoing due to allegations of ‘bullying’ of at least three former participants, including Amanda Abbington50, who claimed she suffered PTSD after training with the pro last year.
Sources previously claimed that Amanda, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore had an ’emotional summit’ where they ‘exchanged notes’ about working with Giovanni on the show.
Amanda quit the show due to “personal reasons” before reports emerged that she had demanded rehearsal footage after suffering “bruises” when “Giovanni stepped on her foot during rehearsal”.
Meanwhile, Ranvir complained to producers about Giovanni in 2020 when they were on the show, while Laura said she “cried every day” and felt “uncomfortable” when she danced with him in 2016. Giovanni denies all allegations against him.
The professional dancer, 30, has since apologized in a statement for his behavior and admitted kicking her (pictured on the show)
Comments about Graziano’s strict rules have resurfaced, with Zara previously revealing he would only allow her to wear men’s dancing shoes, leaving her with ‘open wounds’ on her feet
Graziano’s spokesman said he apologized to Zara for kicking her at the time, but denied ever spitting at her.
The BBC is believed to be currently going through nine years of Strictly footage to confirm or deny the three celebrities’ claims.
Last week, another professional dancer, Graziano Di Prima, was fired over a video of him kicking partner Zara McDermott. He apologized to Zara at the time and admitted he had “crossed the line.”
Admitting that he remembers pushing him [Zara] Graziano’s spokesman claimed that the reported descriptions “do not match” Graziano’s own memory.
He further claims that the Italian star, who has since returned to his native Sicily, has been left “very vulnerable” by the fallout from the scandal.
His representative, Mark Borkowski, said: ‘This week the focus of the news has been on an isolated incident for which Mr Di Prima regretted and apologised at the time.
‘The flood of comments, often without context or nuance, has led to a cascade of criticism that has left a young man in a very vulnerable position.’
According to insiders in the show, the bosses had no choice but to cancel his contract because video footage showed Graziano abusing Zara.
Graziano wrote on Instagram about his departure: ‘I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win may have affected my training regime.
Additionally, it was revealed that dancer and judge Anton DuBeke was embroiled in the controversy after his ex-partner Laila Rouass complained about his language in 2009, for which he later apologized.
‘I understand that it would be better for the show if I stepped back, given the BBC’s personnel policies.’
He continued: ‘While there are aspects of this story that involve external influences that I cannot discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
‘I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success for the future.’
He concluded the message with: ‘I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.’
Additionally, it was revealed that dancer and former judge Anton DuBeke was dragged into the controversy after his ex-partner Laila Rouass complained about his language in 2009, for which he later apologized.