A letter warns the stars that the show could leave them ‘physically and mentally drained’

DANCING on Ice bosses have set up a 24-hour hotline for stars to raise concerns in the wake of Strictly’s bullying scandal.

Insiders said officials on the Sunday night ITV hit had also sent its 12 celebrities a six-page letter telling them they can speak out “without fear of abuse”.

Dancing on Ice bosses have introduced a 24-hour hotline for stars to raise concerns about bullying, pictured host Holly WilloughbyCredit: Rex

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Michael Barrymore, 72, who appeared on Dancing on Ice in 2020, claimed in July that he saw dancers abused on the showCredit: PA
Each of the celebrities on Dancing on Ice, to which Holly Willoughby, 43, returns as host in the New Year, will be assigned a producer to ensure their “wellbeing”.

The new measures follow bullying claims earlier this year on Strictly against pro dancer Giovanni Pernice by actress Amanda Abbington and the BBC show’s sacking of Graziano Di Prima for kicking TV personality Zara McDermott.

A source said: “ITV puts the welfare of show contestants at the heart of what they do. No one needs another Strictly — and Dancing on Ice bosses want their stars to feel like they can speak out if something isn’t right.

“They will have access to a 24-hour hotline manned by professionals to raise concerns about any bullying or to get help with their mental health.

“They have also been given a letter outlining what they should expect from the show and how they should conduct themselves.

“This year’s celebs have said they appreciate the measures. To know they have support like this is reassuring.”

The letter, seen by The Sun, warns the stars that the show could leave them “physically and mentally drained”.

It also warns them about their conduct with their professional partners and adds: “Winning should never come at the expense of integrity and respect.”

Following the BBC scandal, Michael Barrymore, who appeared on Dancing on Ice in 2020, claimed in July that he saw dancers abused on the show.

He said: “I find it bewildering that BBC’s Strictly is the only production under fire . . . when ITV’s Dancing on Ice treated their celebrities and dancers exactly the same — if not worse.

“Even I witnessed abuse from producers at ITV and I had a very short stint with them.”

An ITV spokesman hit back and said: “We do not recognise these unsubstantiated claims.”

He insisted that the training took place either on public ice rinks monitored by marshals or rink guards, or at the show’s filming studio under the supervision of the crew.

He went on: “Independent skating coaches are often present overseeing training sessions.”

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The measures come in the wake of the Strictly scandal involving Amanda Abbington and Giovanni PerniceCredit: PA