Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has expressed his surprise at the recent allegations of abusive behaviour towards past participants on the show.

This week, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, 30, issued an apology for hitting and kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals after being removed from the show.

This follows Giovanni Pernice, 33, being suspended while a BBC investigation is underway concerning claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celebrity partners, which he denies.

Speaking to radio presenter Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales, Craig, 59, stated: "I’m just finding out [about the allegations], like everyone else, through the press.

"For me, it’s a shock and new information, because the judges are never present during any of the training; we literally come in on a Saturday and judge what we see before us.

"We are kept very, very separate from the rest of the company.

"It’s all new to us. Every day that I read about something, I think, 'That can’t be right,' so I’ll wait and see what happens with the investigations, but certainly, we have nothing to do with that."

When asked if he is concerned about the future of Strictly, he replied: "I don’t think so, because it’s one of those shows that belongs in the hearts of the people who love dancing. There’s nothing better than seeing someone come from nothing, work hard, and rise to be absolutely phenomenal."

It was recently reported that Strictly Come Dancing bosses are considering hiring chaperones for stars following accusations of misconduct against the professional dancers.

The BBC is said to be 'toughening up' its duty of care with executive Sam Bickley in charge of ensuring the welfare of participants.

Craig, who is currently starring in the UK tour of The Wizard of Oz, said he thought it was a good idea.

"When I was in Annie, we had chaperones everywhere because of the kids and laws and all of that," he said.

"And I’ve noticed in the theatre world we have chaperones and people we can speak to if we’re having a down day."

Craig added: "We have psychologists on the shows now and all of that, so I think it’s just a normal progression of what’s happening in life now."

"I think it’s good. I think it’s good to have that."

On Tuesday, it was reported that a third Strictly Come Dancing professional has been named as a 'person of interest' amidst the abuse and bullying allegations overshadowing the show.

The Sun reports that this third professional dancer, who is no longer on the show, is also part of the probe into the BBC series.

A source told the publication: "A professional’s name has come up, alongside Giovanni and Graziano.

"He is no longer part of the show but has been named as a person of interest. Conversations are ongoing, and there are more people who need to be spoken to."

They added: "A dossier is being compiled which will be handed over to the BBC. What is becoming clear is that there appears to be a more widespread issue regarding the conduct of some of the professionals in training.

"And the more people who come forward, the clearer the picture is becoming."

The BBC has been contacted by MailOnline for comment.

On Tuesday, Strictly bosses announced plans to introduce chaperones during training and the appointment of two new welfare producers, following Graziano's abrupt dismissal from the show.

Bosses have now announced that they will introduce "additional steps to strengthen welfare and support on Strictly Come Dancing."

A statement from the corporation said: "Concerns that have arisen in recent months have fundamentally been about training and rehearsals. The actions we announce today are designed to address that."

The new measures include a member of the production team being present during training room rehearsals at all times, and increased support for both celebrity contestants and professional dancers.

A Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer will both be appointed to fulfil these added duties, with further training also being delivered for the production team and crew.

Kate Phillips, BBC's Director of Unscripted, said: "Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us or we are made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act.

"Concerns that have arisen have fundamentally related to training and rehearsals. The decisive steps we have taken and are announcing today act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production."

The announcement came just hours after former Love Island star Zara broke her silence on the scandal.

She wrote on Instagram on Tuesday morning that while much of her time on Strictly "was everything I could have dreamt of" inside the training room with Graziano, there were "particular incidents which are incredibly distressing."

"I felt it was right to post something regarding the recent media reports," Zara began. "Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl."

"When I was invited to be a contestant on the show, it truly was a childhood dream come true. I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly required, and I dedicated everything to it."

"I am a resilient person and was fully prepared to put in whatever it took."

"And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes, as well as my fellow contestants, were so amazing to work with."

"However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show, and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch."

Zara explained that she did not report the incidents at the time as she was "scared" of backlash.

Instead, it was junior production staff who came forward to share what they had witnessed as the investigation into pro dancer Giovanni was taking place.

"I have wrestled with the fear of opening up—I was scared about public backlash, scared about my future, and scared of victim shaming," Zara wrote on Instagram.

"But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show."

"The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I’ve seen through working with countless women on my documentaries."

"I would like to thank the BBC and BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me—it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara."