Strictly Come Dancing has ‘dark heart’, says ex-contestant Rev Richard Coles

Coles says no one surprised' by allegations about treatment of contestants in intensely competitive' show

The Rev Richard Coles has described Strictly Come Dancing as a wonderful show with a dark heart", saying no-one is surprised" by the allegations that have emerged about the treatment of contestants.

Professional dancer Graziano Di Prima was axed from the show after reports he had verbally and physically abused his dance partner, Love Island's Zara McDermott. It came weeks after dancer Giovanni Pernice was suspended over claims of misconduct, which he denies.