STRICTLY Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman failed to pass on her thanks to the show’s professionals at this year’s National Television Awards.
Claudia, who presents Strictly alongside Tess Daly, didn’t mention the dancers as the BBC show picked up the Talent Show gong.
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Instead, she passed on her thanks to all of the celebrities who have taken part in Strictly, the Beeb and Strictly’s backstage crew.
It comes after months of allegations of inappropriate behaviour and ‘bullying’ behind the scenes.
Speaking to the audience at London’s O2 Arena, Claudia said: “We just want to say a massive thank you to the most wonderful team who make Strictly, the brilliant celebrities who take part – thank you so much.
“Thank you to the BBC and BBC Studios. This means everything, we’re so grateful.”
Turning to Strictly’s executive producer, Claudia then quipped: “We’re going to do the conga and Sarah James is going to lead it.”
Many of Strictly’s professional dancers were on stage at the time, including Kai Widdrington, Vito Coppola and Nikita Kuzmin.
Amy Dowden, Jowita Przystał and Carlos Gu were also present at London’s O2 Arena.
Strictly’s NTAs win is a huge boost for the BBC One show, which is marking its 20th anniversary when the new series launches on Saturday.
It beat Britain’s Got Talent, MasterChef, The Great British Bake Off and The Voice to the best Talent Show title.
Meanwhile, Strictly fans are awaiting the results of a misconduct investigation.
The probe was launched after pro dancer Giovanni Pernice was investigated for alleged bullying behaviour towards actress Amanda Abbington last year.
Giovanni, who has quit the BBC show of his own accord, vehemently denies any wrongdoing.
Fellow pro Graziano Di Prima was later sacked when video footage emerged of him allegedly kicking his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott.
Zara was on the red carpet in London on Wednesday night, turning heads in a gorgeous fishtail gown.
But she did not join the Strictly team – including her fellow Strictly celeb contestant Angela Rippon – on stage to collect the National Television Award.
Claudia’s sidekick Tess Daly helped pick up the gong ahead of Strictly’s huge comeback this weekend on BBC One.
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