BBC Director General Tim Davie has publicly intervened in the escalating row surrounding MasterChef star Gregg Wallace's inflammatory comments about Strictly Come Dancing's professional dancers.
The corporation's top executive addressed the controversy after Wallace faced intense backlash for describing the show's professionals as 'so good you could almost punch them' during an appearance on his podcast.
Davie's statement emphasised the importance of maintaining respectful dialogue, though he stopped short of directly criticising the celebrity chef. The carefully worded response comes as Strictly's dedicated fanbase expressed outrage across social media platforms.
Wallace's original comments, made alongside co-host Mark Lewis, suggested the dancers' perfection was somehow provocative. The remark immediately sparked fury among Strictly enthusiasts and professional dancers alike, with many condemning the language as inappropriate and violent.
The BBC boss's decision to address the matter directly underscores the sensitivity surrounding the corporation's flagship entertainment programme. Strictly Come Dancing remains one of the BBC's most valuable properties, drawing millions of viewers weekly and generating significant publicity.
Industry observers note that Davie's measured response walks a fine line between supporting creative talent while maintaining the BBC's reputation for respectful broadcasting. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing public service broadcasters in the age of podcast content and social media amplification.
Neither Wallace nor the Strictly professionals have commented further since Davie's intervention. However, sources close to the show indicate that producers are keen to move past the controversy as the new series approaches.
