STRICTLY winner Chris McCausland has revealed the real reason for show feuds as he opened up on behind the scenes clashes.

Chris, 47, weighed in on the scandals in a new interview, admitting he understands why tensions sometimes arise between celebrities and their dance partners.

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Strictly winner Chris McCausland has revealed the real reason for show feudsCredit: PA
The BBC favourite was at the center of controversy throughout much of 2024 after Amanda Abbington accused her partner Giovanni Pernice of bullying during training.

The allegations led to an internal investigation by the broadcaster, ultimately resulting in Giovanni being axed.

Now, Chris, who won the 2024 series alongside Dianne Buswell, has spoken about the pressures of the show, acknowledging that differing priorities between celebrities and professionals can sometimes cause friction.

He told The Sunday Times: “Some people’s objective might be to survive another week, whereas from the dancers’ point of view, the objective is to succeed because that’s their profession; that’s what their reputation is based on. I can see that there can be a clash.”

Chris also admitted he could “see how people struggled with it in the past, because you’ve got to be tough”.

He continued: “Towards the end it was 15 hours a day, I was broken. I mean, it was relentless.

“Physically I ached. I had lost weight. I’m probably fitter than I’ve been in ages but I was held together with tape at the end.”

The comedian, who became the first blind contestant to win Strictly, also revealed that towards the end of the competition, the intense training regime had taken a toll on him.

Despite the challenges, Chris triumphed over Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri, Miranda actress Sarah Hadland, and JLS singer JB Gill in the final.

However, Chris’ winning series took place in one of the most turbulent years for the show

In their report – which was released in September – the BBC upheld six of the 17 complaints Amanda made and apologised publicly to her.

Their probe ruled that Giovanni had been guilty of bullying behaviour.

In an exclusive interview, she later told us how her stint on the show had been toxic.

Amanda quit Strictly in October 2023, saying she had been diagnosed with PTSD following her stint on the show.

The inquiry heard she suffered a bruised foot at rehearsals, that Giovanni grabbed his crotch in front of dance partners while making lewd comments, and a phone was thrown across the room.

Good Morning Britain host Ranvir Singh was understood to have also complained about her treatment by partner Giovanni in the 2020 series.

TV presenter Laura ­Whitmore, who danced with Giovanni in 2016, also revealed that she complained to the BBC eight years ago about his inappropriate behaviour.

Giovanni, meanwhile, has always maintained his innocence regarding the allegations, and has continued to vow to clear his name.

The star also seemingly received support of all four judges, who subsequently took part in specialist workshops at Gio’s dance school, Ballando.

Giovanni’s co-star Graziano Di Prima was sacked after video emerged of him kicking and spitting on his former celebrity partner Zara McDermott.

Previously, Zara broke her silence with a lengthy comment on the alleged “physical incidents”.

The Sun also revealed that Zara had broken a leg bone in a tough training session during the show last year.

The report, launched at the start of the summer, has reportedly cost taxpayers over £250,000 so far.

In light of the probe, the BBC have now put new duty of care protocols in place, including having chaperones in the rehearsal rooms for the celebrities to monitor what goes on.

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He won the 2024 series alongside pro dancer Dianne BuswellCredit: PA

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Amanda Abbington accused her partner Giovanni Pernice of bullying during trainingCredit: PA