Strictly’s Claudia Winkleman fails to thank the pro dancers as show wins gong despite ongoing bullying probe
Fans are awaiting the results of a misconduct probe
STRICTLY Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman failed to pass on her thanks to the show’s professionals at this year’s National Television Awards.
Claudia, who presents Strictly alongside Tess Daly, didn’t mention the dancers as the BBC show picked up the Talent Show gong.
Instead, she passed on her thanks to all of the celebrities who have taken part in Strictly, the Beeb and Strictly’s backstage crew.
It comes after months of allegations of inappropriate behaviour and ‘bullying’ behind the scenes.
Speaking to the audience at London’s O2 Arena, Claudia said: “We just want to say a massive thank you to the most wonderful team who make Strictly, the brilliant celebrities who take part – thank you so much.
“Thank you to the BBC and BBC Studios. This means everything, we’re so grateful.”
Turning to Strictly’s executive producer, Claudia then quipped: “We’re going to do the conga and Sarah James is going to lead it.”
Many of Strictly’s professional dancers were on stage at the time, including Kai Widdrington, Vito Coppola and Nikita Kuzmin.
Amy Dowden, Jowita Przystał and Carlos Gu were also present at London’s O2 Arena.
Strictly’s NTAs win is a huge boost for the BBC One show, which is marking its 20th anniversary when the new series launches on Saturday.
It beat Britain’s Got Talent, MasterChef, The Great British Bake Off and The Voice to the best Talent Show title.
Meanwhile, Strictly fans are awaiting the results of a misconduct investigation.
NTAs was no big surprise, says our telly expert
COMMENT BY ROD MCPHEE
THE only surprise at tonight’s National Television Awards was that there were virtually no surprises.
Ant and Dec took home Presenter Award for the millionth time, Strictly bagged the Talent Show gong and I’m A Celebrity triumphed in the Entertainment category.
Kate Garraway scooping the authored documentary award for Derek’s Story was entirely deserved, but not a total shock either as she’d already done the same two years ago with Caring for Derek.
There were a few curveballs. Emmerdale beating Goliath soaps EastEnders and Corrie was unexpected, particularly as the rivals have both boasted big storylines recently.
And though there was no doubting how hugely moving Mr BatesVs The Post Office was for viewers this year, it was still stunning to see them bag three awards.
Does the general lack of surprises diminish the thrill of the NTAs? Not at all. It remains one of the few awards shows which actually gauges what the majority of Brits are actually watching.
We live in a bewildering world where scandals often rock shows, in an age where streaming means the shared experience is diminished and ratings are hard to decipher.
But year in, year out NTA voters leave us in no doubt which shows they adore, which ones they’ve fallen out of love with, and which celebrities they’re prepared to back.
Look at how quickly relatively new shows like The Traitors, Bridgerton and The 1% Club have been embraced by NTA voters.
They aren’t interested in PR stunts and promotion, in highbrow actors and writers lauded by their fellow luvvies and they certainly can’t stand having what they ought to be watching dictated to them
They tell us all loud and clear, every year, who they consider to be the best – and woe betide any telly exec who ignores them.
The probe was launched after pro dancer Giovanni Pernice was investigated for alleged bullying behaviour towards actress Amanda Abbington last year.
Giovanni, who has quit the BBC show of his own accord, vehemently denies any wrongdoing.
Fellow pro Graziano Di Prima was later sacked when video footage emerged of him allegedly kicking his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott.
Zara was on the red carpet in London on Wednesday night, turning heads in a gorgeous fishtail gown.
But she did not join the Strictly team – including her fellow Strictly celeb contestant Angela Rippon – on stage to collect the National Television Award.
Claudia’s sidekick Tess Daly helped pick up the gong ahead of Strictly’s huge comeback this weekend on BBC One.
