Strictly Come Dancing professional breaks silence on backstage bullying allegations

Nikita Kuzmin has shared his views on the ongoing drama and claims of bullying behind the scenes on Strictly Come Dancing after a string of celebs issued complaints

A Strictly Come Dancing star has addressed the allegations of abuse and bullying.

Professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, 26, has previously remained tight-lipped surrounding the ongoing allegations. But in a new interview just before the first live show, he was asked whether the claims of toxicity and bullying had cast a "shadow" on the programme for him.

When prompted by BBC Breakfast, Nikita responded: "I don't think so, no." Elsewhere, his celebrity partner, Olympian Sam Quek, added: "I've had the best time so far, I can't even think of it to get better than what it is now. Every experience I've had since I've been here has been top notch and I think everyone feels the same here."

Currently, the BBC are investigating claims of abuse behind the scenes. It comes after actress Amanda Abbington made allegations of "bullying" and "aggressive behaviour" against her former dance partner Giovanni, whom she was partnered with last year.

Giovanni has strongly denied any "abusive or threatening" behaviour during his time on the show. He was subsequently dropped from the 20th series. Elsewhere, former pro-Graziano Di Prima has also been axed by bosses over allegations about his behaviour in the rehearsal rooms.