Fans slam Strictly's Saffron Barker over 'insensitive' comments (2024)

BBC's Strictly Come Dancing has come under fire from a leading suicide prevention charity by announcing Saffron Barker as a contestant after the YouTube star moaned that her train was delayed when a person took their own life.

The 19-year-old influencer, who boasts a mammoth two million-strong fan-base, released a controversial vlog last year in which she 'rolled her eyes' when talking about the tragic death.

It was revealed this week that Barker will join a star-studded line up of celebrities including sports presenter Mike Bushell, Eastenders' Emma Barton and ex-England goalkeeper David James.

But a spokesperson from the PAPYRUS national charity slammed Barker's comments as 'insensitive' and branded the Strictly bosses' decision to involve her 'surprising'.

The charity's Rosemary Vaux told MailOnline: 'It's very insensitive criticising someone at a stage where they were struggling between life and death.

'There should be more understanding around mental health because these remarks are hugely offensive, especially to those who have lost people to suicide.

'I know she's very young, but a lot of young people have a good understanding of mental health these days and have raised a lot of money for us and want to help.'

On the announcement that Barker will be joining the Strictly line-up, Ms Vaux added: 'It's a surprise from the BBC, because in my experience they're pretty sensitive about these kind of issues.'

In a now deleted YouTube video, Barker said: 'It should have taken me 50 minutes and instead it took four and a half hours, so that was amazing.

'Obviously, it's really sad, some one did get hit by a train. But it meant that I couldn't get home.

'And it wasn't just I couldn't get home, it was just the most stressful thing. They were doing no buses to help anyone. I was in an hour taxi line stood in the cold.'

However, after facing a backlash she quickly issued an apology on Instagram, saying: 'I completely understand how insensitive my comments were.

'I can see how it would appear that I wasn't being considerate of the awful incident but in no way did I mean it like that.

'My frustrations were not towards the victim but the overall situation. Anyone that knows me knows there was no disrespect.'

But despite this apology, her announcement as a Strictly contestant whipped up some people on social media into a rage.

One user called Chel tweeted: 'Really not liking Saffron Barker being on Strictly.

'She openly complained about someone committing suicide causing her train to be delayed.'

Another wrote: 'Isn't Saffron Barker the girl who complained about getting home late because someone committed suicide and caused train delays? Yikes. #StrictlyComeDancing'

However, some Strictly fans were more forgiving and welcomed the show's announcement that Barker is to be a contestant.

Fellow vlogger Louise Pentland said: 'Congratulations to Saffron Barkerfor her amazing Strictlynews!

'Wonderful to see another Social Media contestant this year! One day I would love to have a dance but until then, I'll be cheering away, loving it all! Good luck.'

And YouTuber Alfie Deyes tweeted: 'Saffron Barker massive congrats! Can't wait to watch you on the show.'

A representative for Barker told MailOnline: 'Saffron sincerely apologised straight after this incident, it's a comment she regrets and is now in the past.'

Barker was recently hit by fresh claims of insensitivity by the mother of one her supposed friends who died from cancer.

The death of fellow YouTuber Jessica-Jayde Allen in 2017 prompted Barker to release a heartfelt tribute.

She tweeted: 'RIP Jess. I'm gonna love and miss u with all my heart. You were one truly kind hearted friend who I will never forget.'

But a year later during a film for Stand Up To Cancer, she said that she had never lost anyone close to her to the illness.

This sparked a furious response from Jessica-Jayde's mother Terri Plummer who branded Barker 'vile' and accused her of only using her daughter for attention.

The BBC declined to provide MailOnline with a comment.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.