The director general of the BBC has apologised to Strictly Come Dancing contestants who have had an experience that “hasn’t been wholly positive”.

It comes as the corporation unveiled its annual report on Tuesday (July 23) amid a storm of negative stories about the culture and treatment of contestants on the flagship programme.

Tim Davie said at a news briefing there will inevitably be “competitiveness, hard work and the will to do well” on the show, “but there are limits and the line should never be crossed”.

He added: “We will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind.”

BBC boss 'disappointed' over Strictly allegations

Asked if he is confident the show will go ahead this series, he said: “I need to be assured we have the right safeguarding and duty of care in place, and that is the first question I ask.

“I am assured by the robust actions we have taken in terms of the changes we have made … that we are in a position to deliver a very good season this year and that has been my focus.”

He continued: “With that assurance, I’m looking forward to the next season.”

Addressing how he felt when the allegations first emerged about the show, he said he was “disappointed”.

He added: “I’m very sorry that anyone has had an experience on Strictly that hasn’t been wholly positive, I think that is something we do reflect on, and I’m sorry about that.”

Mr Davie told journalists: “Strictly is a wonderful show that brings a lot of joy to a lot of people, and has done so for 20 years, to both those involved with the show itself and to millions of people at home.

“Hundreds of people, be they pros, contestants or crew, have been part of it and had a brilliant experience.

“At the same time, if someone feels there was something wrong or they wanted to talk about their experience, then, of course, we want them to raise that with us and be in no doubt, we will take it seriously, listen and deal with it as appropriate.

“While I’m not going to talk about individuals, you can see evidence of that in recent weeks. So, I hope that anyone who does want to talk to us feels they can.

Top 10 Best British TV Series 

Recommended reading:

“It is vital that we have the right protocols and structures in place for the show. We keep these under review, and as you know we confirmed changes to these last week. It is essential these are right for everyone.

“Of course, alongside the fun and entertainment, there will be a degree of competitiveness, hard work, and a will to do well, that’s part of what makes this show. But there are limits and the line should never be crossed.

“We will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind.”