Strictly no bullying! Cricketer backs pro Amy after bust-up
Former cricketer Graeme Swann threw his weight behind Strictly pro Amy Dowden after reports of a bitter bust-up with her celebrity partner Danny John-jules. The Red Dwarf star has been warned by show bosses about his behaviour after his dance partner fled training in tears.
He is accused of repeatedly shouting and swearing and, on one occasion, it is claimed, told Amy: “I’m the star, not you.”
He denies the allegations, claiming the reports were fuelled by “racists in pointy hats”, but bookies’ have made him favourite to get voted out on tonight’s show.
Former sportsman Graeme said: “You don’t get to see people with their dance partners through the week but I do know that Amy’s a fantastic girl.
“I hope there’s no truth in it because there’s no place for bullying in the workplace.
“I’m sure they’ll be doing their best to put it behind them.”
Tensions can run high in the training room and Graeme admitted he’d had one behind-the-scenes barney with his pro partner Oti Mabuse.
“Oti had put a bit into our jive that I worked tirelessly to do and Oti took it out because I was rubbish at it.
“I demanded she kept it in and we ended up having a blazing row.
“She stormed out and left me feeling really stupid.
“I’m terrible in arguments, especially with women, as I say things and immediately regret them and apologise.
“I went to the kitchen and made her a green tea and we hugged and it was all great.” Graeme, who has lost two-and-a-half stone and is now the same weight he was aged 19, danced a high energy Salsa to Soca Boys’ Follow the Leader last night in a bid to make next week’s Blackpool Special.
“Everyone says it’s the best week ever,” said Graeme.
“I’m desperate to get there and determined to put on a good show to make sure we do.”