Behind the Scenes of a Contested TV Show: Varnava on the 1-11 Dispute and Guest Participation

In a discussion featured on the Duqality YouTube channel, the actress and humorist Ekaterina Varnava commented on the discord surrounding the blogger Lucy Chebotina and Ida Galich over the show titled “1-11.” The interview shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a program that brings together young viewers and a rotating roster of guests, all operating within a school setting that follows students from first grade through eleventh grade. Varnava noted that the guest artist did not participate in the planning process in advance, which meant the production team had to adapt quickly to keep the program moving smoothly. This reality reinforced the idea that the flow of the show heavily depends on the availability and cooperation of its guests. Varnava suggested that, in situations like this, it is prudent for the guest to provide notice at least the day before filming to allow the crew to adjust schedules and ensure a seamless shoot. She also indicated that the program’s format places a significant emphasis on the guest’s contribution, making last-minute changes more disruptive to the overall pace of filming. According to her account, a sudden health issue from a guest could justify a delay in production, but clear communication remains essential to minimize interruptions and keep the episode on track. In May 2023, Ida Galich spoke out about an incident in which her show “1-11” experienced disruption due to the involvement of invited guest Lucy Chebotina. Galich described the behavior as unacceptable and stated that she would not continue collaboration with the artist under those circumstances. Later statements from Chebotina indicated that her non-participation was linked to health concerns, specifically high blood pressure and overall poor health, which prevented her from appearing on the shoot. In a separate note, Anna Kalashnikova publicly supported Lada Dance in connection with the events that followed, a show of solidarity that added to the public conversation surrounding the incident. The episode underscores how live formats tied to young audiences rely on careful scheduling, reliable guest participation, and transparent communication to maintain trust with viewers and participants alike. The broader takeaway is that conflict among on-air personalities can escalate quickly when logistical realities collide with creative plans, and the best mitigation comes from proactive planning, clear expectations, and prompt health-related disclosures from all parties involved. This episode also illustrates the importance of safeguarding the well-being of performers and the audience, ensuring that health concerns are prioritized without compromising the integrity of the program’s format. The situation continues to prompt discussions about how shows manage guest coordination, health contingencies, and the accountability of everyone involved in live entertainment. Attribution: content derived from an interview with Ekaterina Varnava on the Duqality channel, discussing the broader events surrounding the show and its participants.