Strictly fans concerned as they spot one thing 'missing' from show after scandals

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have expressed concern after failing to spot any chaperones on this year's series so far. The BBC ballroom show kicked off with a bang recently as celebrities teamed up with choreographers to compete, show off their dance skills and impress the judges to win the grand prize.

In last year's series, chaperones were introduced by the broadcaster as a new welfare measure after a number of complaints, meaning that a production team member should be present in rehearsal rooms at all times. This decision followed allegations of bullying and abusive behavior, with prominent former contestant Zara McDermott speaking out about her "distressing" experiences. However, some viewers of the hit show took to social media to show concern as they hadn't noticed any chaperones in any of this year's footage. Posting to Reddit, one fan asked: "Last year there were visible chaperones in every practice room, this year I didn't see any. Has everyone agreed to be on their best behavior, or are they deemed no longer required? Does anyone know?"

Other eagle-eyed fans vouched for the show, reassuring the original poster that the chaperones were actually present. One person replied: "I think they're there, but they're just not being on screen. We saw one with Ellie and Vito."

Another suggested: "I think they're just better at not including them in shots this time," while a third wrote: "I saw them in one or two of the shots last night but think they are trying to keep them less obvious/out of shot this year. They are very much still there though."

One more person said: "I saw one with Ellie and Vito and I think I've seen one online with Alexis and George."

It is understood by Express.co.uk that the chaperones are still in place on the BBC show, just as they were last year.

Previously, a few of the contestants spoke out about what it was like having a chaperone in on their dance sessions. Nick Knowles told Radio Times: "The thing is, for us, we're only just starting our journey now, so this relationship with the team, this is all we know.

"All I can say from my point of view is we are being so looked after in terms of our dance partners, the management. We've got psychological support if we need to talk to anybody at any stage, we've got physios to look after us. So from our point of view, it's an amazing experience."

Knowles added: "Just to say, historically, I haven't been involved with it, but actually, it's important that people are listened to, and they have been so that's that seems, to me, all good."