ABC's Dancing With the Stars to implement new protocols following Strictly Come Dancing scandal

The Strictly Come Dancing scandal has sparked a global conversation about safeguarding processes on dance competition shows. As a result, conversations are underway to tighten protocols on ABC's Dancing With the Stars, Deadline has been told. The new measures are expected to contribute to an "ongoing dialogue" around international versions of the show, which includes dozens of territories worldwide.

A spokesman for BBC Studios said that new measures being introduced in the UK will contribute to an "ongoing dialogue" around international versions of the show. While there are strong safeguarding processes already in place on Dancing With the Stars U.S., we understand additional measures could be implemented.

The new protocols on Strictly Come Dancing were unveiled three days ago after a second dancer, Graziano Di Prima, exited the show over allegations of inappropriate behavior towards a partner. All future Strictly rehearsals will now be policed by a member of production staff. Meanwhile, two new dedicated welfare producers will be brought in and there will be additional training for the production team and crew.

The BBC Studios spokesman said that all territories regularly share and deploy learnings and best practices via BBC Studios' global team of flying producers. The new measures being introduced in the UK on Strictly Come Dancing will contribute to this ongoing dialogue and we'll continue to work with local broadcasters to ensure that stringent contributor welfare processes are at the heart of all versions of the show.

The Strictly scandal is the talk of the UK TV production community and has generated tabloid headlines for days. The controversy has sparked a global conversation about safeguarding processes on dance competition shows, and it remains to be seen how Dancing With the Stars will respond.