Strictly scandal – live: Graziano Di Prima ‘under medical supervision’ after being axed from series

Entertainment
27 Jul 2024 • 6:14 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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Graziano Di Prima is reportedly under medical supervision after being axed from Strictly Come Dancing.

The professional dancer, 30, was sacked from the show earlier this month after it was alleged that footage existed of him physically and verbally abusing Zara McDermott in training during last year's series.

His family are now said to be “deeply concerned” about his wellbeing and are monitoring him hourly, according to reports.

Meanwhile, Amanda Abbington, who lifted the lid on the scandal with her own set of allegations against another professional dancer, gave a tell-all interview in which she claims there are “50 hours” of rehearsal footage that left BBC producers “horrified” by partner Giovanni Pernice’s alleged behaviour.

Her parents have said in a new interview that they feel “sorry” for Pernice and that they noticed a considerable change in their daughter after her first performance on the BBC dancing show.

On Tuesday afternoon (23 July), BBC director general Tim Davie made a statement apologising for the alleged mistreatment of contestants on the show, saying that the corporation “will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour”.

Below are latest updates as the scandal unfolds.

Key Points

Amanda Abbington’s parents say they feel ‘sorry’ for Giovanni Pernice

10:15

Ellie Muir

Amanda Abbington’s parents have said that they feel sorry for Giovanni Pernice as he faces allegations of bullying for his conduct on Strictly.

Abbington’s father, taxi driver John, told MailOnline: “I’d feel sorry for [Giovanni] if Amanda wasn’t the one involved in this.”

“Like other dancers on Strictly he was put in a situation where he was expected to train people when he’d not been taught how to train. They were let out of dance school at a young age. Giovanni started at Strictly at 21 or 22. How on earth can you train people when you’ve not been trained to do that?”

Abbington’s mother, Patsy said: “We just want it dealt with.”

The pair said they noticed a change in their daughter after her first performance on the BBC dancing show.

“After the first show, she came back and said it was the hardest thing she’d ever done. Things only got worse from there,” said John. “Certainly, by January and February [this year] she was not the same girl.”

Strictly scandal: A timeline of allegations

08:24

Ellie Muir

Here’s everything you need to know about the developments so far:

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Amanda Abbington claims ‘Strictly’ pros sent her concerning texts about Giovanni

Friday 26 July 2024 23:00

Inga Parkel

Amanda Abbington has alleged Strictly’s pro dancers texted her saying “I’m so sorry” after they discovered she was partnered with Giovanni Pernice ahead of last year’s series.

After the Sherlock star made the claim to her fellow 2023 contestant Krishnan Guru-Murthy during a Channel 4 News interview, he replied: “That’s a really odd thing to do.”

A tearful Abbington said people warned her it would be “tough”, but that she thought she could handle it “because I’ve been around the block a bit, you know?”

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Zara McDermott ‘danced through injury’ on ‘Strictly’

Friday 26 July 2024 22:00

Inga Parkel

It’s being reported that Zara McDermott danced on Strictly despite having fractured her leg in rehearsals.

According to The Sun, the season 21 contestant made the decision alongside her professional partner, Graziano Di Prima. The injury occurred before Halloween Week, which is when McDermott was eliminated.

Producers are said to have only just become aware of the injury.

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Strictly’s days of being the nicest show on TV are over’

Friday 26 July 2024 21:00

Jacob Stolworthy

The forthcoming series of Strictly had all the makings of a victory lap: a celebration of the show’s two decades at the very top of the entertainment game.

But instead, its sparkle has been tarnished by alarming accusations concerning at least two of its most popular professional dancers, a double whammy of scandal that has put its status as one of the nation’s best-loved comfort watches in jeopardy.

The drama has prompted serious questions about what has been happening behind the scenes on the BBC’s beloved show. Can bosses restore its dazzling reputation in time for the big anniversary in September – and more importantly, will the viewers buy it?

Katie Rosseinsky investigates:

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Friday 26 July 2024 20:00

Jacob Stolworthy

Third Strictly professional highlighted as ‘person of interest’

A third Strictly Come Dancing star has allegedly been named as a “person of interest” amid an investigation into the BBC show’s off-screen rehearsals.

It’s been claimed that the unidentified professional has been highlighted in the days after Graziano Di Prima was dropped from the show for kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott on last year’s series.

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Graziano Di Prima is ‘under medical supervision’ after ‘Strictly’ axe

Friday 26 July 2024 19:00

Inga Parkel

Graziano Di Prima’s family have said they are “deeply concerned” for his welfare following his axe from Strictly.

They told The Mirror: “Graziano is currently under medical supervision, with the stress of the situation causing significant concern for his family, who are monitoring him hourly.

“The unrelenting feeding frenzy over these accusations and his mental state leaves him at this time unable to defend himself.”

His axing from the show arrives after he admitted to kicking his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, in the rehearsal room during last year’s series.

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Craig Revel Horwood weighs in on ‘shock’ Strictly scandal

Friday 26 July 2024 18:00

Inga Parkel

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has shared his view on the scandal currently engulfing the popular BBC reality series.

Horwood, who serves as a judge on Strictly alongside Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton du Beke, addressed the scandal during an appearance on BBC Radio Wales.

“It’s a shock and news to me,” he said, claiming that he had heard about the allegations “through the press”.

Read more here:

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Amanda Abbington reveals hopes for outcome of ‘Strictly’ scandal

Friday 26 July 2024 17:00

Inga Parkel

Amanda Abbington has said she does not want Strictly to end as a result of the scandal.

The Sherlock star stated: “I love Strictly, I always wanted to do that show. I think it’s a beautiful British institution. Most people on that show are wonderful and I’ve made some good friends on that show, I don’t want it to end.

“I want it to have a beautiful extended life because it’s Saturday night entertainment.”

However, Abbington said she “would like an apology” over her alleged mistreatment by pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, adding: “I would like this to not happen to women working in that corporation again and for it to be taken seriously.”

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Pro dancers ‘upset they’ve been hung out to dry’

Friday 26 July 2024 16:00

Jacob Stolworthy

Strictly’s professional dancers are said to be angry that ex-celebrity partners are “hanging them out to dry”.

As the show’s scandal continues, a source told The Mirror: “It’s causing untold stress and mental anguish to so many of them as every day there are new accusations.

“Yes, one or two of the celebs in the last 20 years might have had a bad experience but they are in a tiny minority. The whole thing smacks of ambulance chasing.”

Amanda Abbington reveals moment she first thought ‘Giovanni hates me’

Friday 26 July 2024 15:00

Jacob Stolworthy

One day after her tell-all interview with Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Amanda Abbington appeared on ITV’s Lorraine, which was hosted by Christine Lampard.

She claimed her troubles with Pernice started just three days into rehearsals, stating: “It was week one, the third day. I’ve got texts to the producer on the third day saying ‘This is awful, he hates me, I don’t know what I’m doing wrong’.’

The Sherlock star added: “I felt I had to speak up because I don’t want people to be frightened about speaking about if they’re being bullied or if they are in a difficult situation and they feel like they are not being heard.

“I do feel I have the right to say it was a toxic environment that I was in while I was rehearsing because it was. I know what happened in the room, and it would be remiss of me if i was to say it’s fine, I don’t want to talk about it.

“It’s important that women and men, because men get bullied as well, it’s important that women feel they are in a safe space where they can say this is inappropriate behaviour and it needs be recognised.

‘Strictly’ co-host Claudia Winkleman supports pros

Friday 26 July 2024 14:00

Jacob Stolworthy

As the Strictly scandal continues, the show’s remaining professionals are starting to rehearse for the forthcoming series, which will begin in September.

The show’s offiical Instagram account posted: “Day one of #Strictly 2024 rehearsals done! We can’t wait to share our new pro routines with everyone soon @bbciplayer,” to which Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman shared her support for the dancers with a selection of heart emojis.

Other former stars to also share messages of support included Annabel Croft, Fleur East and, one day before releasing his tell-all interview with Amanda Abbington, Krishnan Gury-Murthy.

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Graziano Di Prima is ‘under medical supervision’ after ‘Strictly’ axe

Friday 26 July 2024 12:32

Inga Parkel

Graziano Di Prima’s family have said they are “deeply concerned” for his welfare following his axe from Strictly.

They told The Mirror: “Graziano is currently under medical supervision, with the stress of the situation causing significant concern for his family, who are monitoring him hourly.

“The unrelenting feeding frenzy over these accusations and his mental state leaves him at this time unable to defend himself.”

His axing from the show arrives after he admitted to kicking his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, in the rehearsal room during last year’s series.

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Giovanni responds to Amanda Abbington’s latest claims

Friday 26 July 2024 12:00

Inga Parkel

In a statement addressing Amanda Abbington’s Channel 4 interview, in which she claimed there are “50 hours” of Strictly rehearsal footage that “horrified” BBC producers, Giovanni Pernice’s spokesperson said:

“We are cooperating fully with the BBC’s review process. All parties have been asked to respect this process and to not speak to the media before it concludes. We will continue to respect the integrity of the investigation and believe it is the right forum for all the evidence to be reviewed.

“As part of the evidence-led review, the BBC has shared the allegations they have been able to substantiate with us. They do not resemble Amanda’s latest allegations, given to Channel 4, in any shape or form. Giovanni refutes any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour, and having provided the BBC with his evidence, is confident that the review will prove this.”

‘Strictly’ scandal to end show’s ‘curse'

Friday 26 July 2024 10:00

Jacob Stolworthy

The Strictly scandal has taken the spotlight away from the show’s “curse”, which sees tales of rehearsal room lust dominate headlines every year. But, with new measures introduced to prevent contestants being mistreated by their professional partner, it seems this will well and truly put an end to the “curse”.

Find a history of the Strictly curse here:

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Former 'Strictly’ star is ‘shocked’ by scandal reports

Friday 26 July 2024 09:15

Inga Parkel

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Pasha Kovalev has said allegations about the behaviour of professional dancers on the show are “sad and shocking”.

Speaking to ITV’s Loose Women about the allegations, Kovalev said: “It’s sad and shocking that we’re in the situation where we are right now.

“And we need to find ways not to let that happen again. I’m sure a lot of people don’t believe it.”

The 44-year-old added: “We need to create the atmosphere where everyone will be heard, [where] everyone (will) feel comfortable going out there to have the best time of their lives.”

Zara McDermott ‘danced through injury' on ‘Strictly’

Friday 26 July 2024 08:30

Inga Parkel

It’s being reported that Zara McDermott danced on Strictly despite having fractured her leg in rehearsals.

According to The Sun, the season 21 contestant made the decision alongside her professional partner, Graziano Di Prima. The injury occurred before Halloween Week, which is when McDermott was eliminated.

Producers are said to have only just become aware of the injury.

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BBC director general apologises for alleged mistreatment of contestants

Friday 26 July 2024 00:00

Jacob Stolworthy

In the corporation’s annual report, BBC director general Tim Davie said sorry for the complaints facing Strictly Come Dancing.

Davie said: “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.”

Read the full story below:

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BBC announces new welfare steps after Strictly abuse allegations

Thursday 25 July 2024 22:00

Jacob Stolworthy

The BBC has announced new welfare precautions to help look after Strictly Come Dancing contestants, following allegations of abuse that have shaken the flagship show.

A statement shared last week said: “Going forward, we will: have a production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times; increase existing support with the addition of two new roles on the show dedicated to welfare support – a Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer; and deliver further training for the production team and crew.”

Read more here:

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Former Strictly pro denounces resurfacing of ‘edited’ rehearsal clip

Thursday 25 July 2024 19:00

Jacob Stolworthy

Former Strictly professional James Jordan has hit out at resurfaced rehearsal footage that shows him “mistreating” his celebrity partner amid the show’s ongoing scandal.

In the clip that’s being shared online, Jordan, who appeared on the BBC dancing competition from 2006 to 2013, is heard fat-shaming his celebrity partner, former Casualty star Georgina Bouzová, and telling her he would “drag her across the floor and scream at her”.

At another stage, Jordan throws a chair and says he “doesn’t care” if she’s “physically broken”. According to Jordan, “the footage was shot and edited together by the BBC team for transmission on [companion show] It Takes Two 18 years ago in specific ways for the purposes of ENTERTAINMENT”.

Read the full story here:

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Paralympian Will Bayley says series left him with ‘horrific’ injury he’ll ‘never get over’

Thursday 25 July 2024 18:00

Jacob Stolworthy

Another Strictly Come Dancing contestant has spoken out against their time on the show.

Paralympian Will Bayley appeared on the BBC dancing series in 2019 and was forced to withdraw six weeks in after tearing his knee ligaments in rehearsals.

He is now shedding light on his behind-the scenes experience amid a scandal that has shone a spotlight on the show’s duty of care protocols.

Bayley said the injury, which was caused after his professional partner Janette Manrara made him redo a jump after a “rubbish” attempt, has resulted in an excruciating pain he will live with “forever”

More here:

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Alleged Steve Backshall complaint resurfaces in wake of scandal

Thursday 25 July 2024 16:00

Jacob Stolworthy

A Strictly complaint allegedly made by TV presenter Steve Backshall about his professional partner in 2014 has resurfaced in the wake of the scandal.

Backshall is said to have complained that Ola Jordan “bullied” him during his time on the BBC series, following which the pair were granted a chaperone to oversee their rehearsals.

A source told MailOnline: “Steve is a very bouncy personality, up for any challenge, but Ola’s harsh treatment has flattened him and made him lose confidence.”

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Former ‘Strictly’ pro speaks out

Thursday 25 July 2024 15:46

Jacob Stolworthy

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Pasha Kovalev has said allegations about the behaviour of professional dancers on the show are "sad and shocking".

Speaking to ITV's Loose Women about the allegations, Kovalev said: "It's sad and shocking that we're in the situation where we are right now.

"And we need to find ways not to let that happen again. I'm sure a lot of people don't believe it."

The 44-year-old added: "We need to create the atmosphere where everyone will be heard, [where] everyone (will) feel comfortable going out there to have the best time of their lives."

‘Strictly' scandal timeline

Thursday 25 July 2024 14:00

Jacob Stolworthy

Since January, Strictly Come Dancing has found itself at the centre of controversy – and things only seem to be getting worse.

Here is a timeline detailing everything you need to know:

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Amanda Abbington claims she sent ‘Strictly’ producers texts of concern after just three days

Thursday 25 July 2024 13:00

Jacob Stolworthy

Amanda Abbington has opened up about texts she claims to have sent to Strictly producers about partner Giovanni Pernice’s alleged behaviour in training.

Appearing on ITV’s Lorraine show on Thursday (25 July), the actress - who left the competition after week six, claimed problems had started early on.

She said: “Week one, third day. I’ve got texts to the producer on day three going ‘This is awful, he hates me, I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I’m trying my best, I promise you’. So that was the first week.”

Pernice has strongly denied all the allegations.

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Shirley Ballas hints at ‘Strictly’ drama?

Thursday 25 July 2024 12:15

Jacob Stolworthy

Soon after Amanda Abbington’s tell-all interview, in whcih she made allegations against Strixctly’s Giovanni Pernice, series judge Shirley Ballas appeared to hint at the drama online.

Ballas, who is friends with Pernice, shared a post that read: Surround yourself with people who fight for you in rooms you aren’t in. Goodnight lovely humans who are in my life you know who you are.”

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Amanda Abbington reveals hopes for outcome of ‘Strictly’ scandal

Thursday 25 July 2024 10:10

Jacob Stolworthy

Amanda Abbington has said she does not want Strictly to end as a result of the scandal.

The Sherlock star stated: “I love Strictly, I always wanted to do that show. I think it’s a beautiful British institution. Most people on that show are wonderful and I’ve made some good friends on that show, I don’t want it to end.

“I want it to have a beautiful extended life because it’s Saturday night entertainment.”

However, Abbington said she “would like an apology” over her alleged mistreatment by pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, adding: “I would like this to not happen to women working in that corporation again and for it to be taken seriously”.

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Amanda Abbington reveals extent of death threats post-’Strictly'

Thursday 25 July 2024 09:30

Jacob Stolworthy

Amanda Abbington has revealed that she received rape and death threats to her children in the aftermath of withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing.

Speaking to Channel 4 News on Wednesday, Abbington said the abuse had been “brutal, relentless and unforgiving” and she received dozens of threats a day towards herself and her children.

“The aftermath has been something that I wasn’t expecting. The death threats and the rape threats towards not only myself but my daughter, and the threats of death to my son,” she said.

More here:

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Giovanni responds to Amanda Abbington’s latest claims

Thursday 25 July 2024 08:45

Jacob Stolworthy

In a statement addressing Amanda Abbington’s Channel 4 interview, in which she claimed there’s “50 hours” of Strictly rehearsal footage that “horrified” BBC producers, Giovanni Pernice’s spokesperson said:

“We are cooperating fully with the BBC’s review process. All parties have been asked to respect this process and to not speak to the media before it concludes. We will continue to respect the integrity of the investigation and believe it is the right forum for all the evidence to be reviewed.

“As part of the evidence-led review, the BBC has shared the allegations they have been able to substantiate with us. They do not resemble Amanda’s latest allegations, given to Channel 4, in any shape or form. Giovanni refutes any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour, and having provided the BBC with his evidence, is confident that the review will prove this.”

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Amanda Abbington claims she and her lawyer are trying to access 50 hours of rehearsal room footage

Wednesday 24 July 2024 21:20

Tom Murray

In a new interview with Krishnan Guru-Murthy for Channel 4 News, Abbington claimed that the show’s producers installed cameras in her rehearsal room after she raised concerns about Pernice.

“Every Friday, after the next sort of five weeks, I would get the producer saying, on the Friday, ‘We just watched the footage back, we are shocked and horrified, we’re so sorry’. That was to my face on the Friday when we would go in and do the camera rehearsal,” she said.

“It’s out there. There is evidence out there of what happened in that room and I’m not the one who’s blocking it. I’ve said anyone can watch it, but he [Giovanni] doesn’t want anyone to see it, which is quite telling if he’s got nothing to hide.”

Guru-Murthy, who appeared on the same season of Strictly as Abington, replied: “I heard, not from you, from somebody else, about an instance of, I suppose you’d call it humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature, is that right?”

A tearful Abbington replied: “Yeah. I mean, you know, one of the many things.”

Read more:

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Piers Morgan to the rescue?

Wednesday 24 July 2024 12:20

Jacob Stolworthy

Piers Morgan has made an offer to Strictly Come Dancing producers after numerous scandals hit the much loved dancing competition.

The ex-Good Morning Britain broadcaster, 59, claimed he could “save the day” for the BBC programme amid investigations into ongoing bullying and abuse claims against multiple Strictly professional dancers.

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Anthony Ogogo recalls ‘frustrating’ experience on ‘Strictly’

Wednesday 24 July 2024 10:00

Jacob Stolworthy

Boxer Anthony Ogogo has claimed his time on Strictly Come Dancing was “frustrating” and likened the stressful environment to a “pressure cooker”.

As the reality show continued to battle a scandal over the alleged treatment of participants, Ogogo, who appeared on the BBC show in 2015, said on Sky News: “It is a funny one, the Strictly experience. They got me on the show when I was injured. I had just had shoulder surgery.

“It was weird, they really encouraged me to do it, said the shoulder wouldn’t be an issue and then when I got on the show, the shoulder was the reason I left the show.”

Read more here:

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Peter Andre shares verdict on ‘Strictly’ scandal

Wednesday 24 July 2024 09:00

Jacob Stolworthy

Peter Andre, who appeared on Strictly in 2016, has shared his opinion on the scandal currently rocking the BBC show.

“I’ve been reading a lot about what’s going on with Strictly at the moment but I can really only comment about my own experience on the show,” he wrote in his OK! column.

“I was surrounded by a great bunch of people. We don’t know what is true but accusations are still only accusations until they’re proven.

“On the other hand, things like this just shouldn’t be happening behind closed doors. It’s going to be a difficult time for Strictly and for all those involved.

“The show could be in the spotlight for a different reason this year.”

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Pro dancers ‘upset they’ve been hung out to dry'

Wednesday 24 July 2024 08:00

Jacob Stolworthy

Strictly’s professional dancers are said to be angry that ex-celebrity partners are “hanging them out to dry”.

As the show’s scandal continues, a source told The Mirror: “It’s causing untold stress and mental anguish to so many of them as every day there are new accusations.

“Yes, one or two of the celebs in the last 20 years might have had a bad experience but they are in a tiny minority. The whole thing smacks of ambulance chasing.”

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Recap: Richard Coles ‘not surprised’ by Strictly allegations

Tuesday 23 July 2024 22:12

Ellie Muir

Former contestant Reverend Richard Coles has said he is “not entirely surprised” after allegations emerged about the treatment of contestants on the popular BBC show.

Watch here:

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Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood speaks out on ‘shock’ of scandal engulfing BBC reality series

Tuesday 23 July 2024 21:13

Ellie Muir

Craig Revel Horwood has weighed in on the scandal currently engulfing the popular BBC reality series.

Read more below:

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Recap: Amanda Abbington speaks out on ‘cruel’ and ‘abusive’ Strictly experience as Giovanni Pernice denies new claims

Tuesday 23 July 2024 20:05

Ellie Muir

The 50-year-old Sherlock actor called Pernice, “abusive, cruel, and mean”, stating that her mistreatment went “way beyond treading on my toe”. She also claimed that the dancer was blocking tapes of their rehearsals from being released.

Read more here:

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Strictly in crisis: Every claim facing the under-fire BBC show

Tuesday 23 July 2024 18:01

Ellie Muir

It wasn’t until January that reports of behind-the-scenes issues manifested, with Abbington requesting footage of her “tense’ training sessions with Giovanni Pernice, one of Strictly’s best-loved pros. Since then, there has been a flurry of allegations about Pernice’s methods, something the Italian dancer has vehemently defended himself from.

Read more below:

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What did Tim Davie say about the Strictly scandal?

Tuesday 23 July 2024 15:01

Ellie Muir

Speaking at a press conference for the release of the BBC’s annual report, the corporation’s director general, Tim Davie, addressed the controversy surrounding the show.

He said that the organisation “will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour” and that “the line should never be crossed”.

In his opening statement, Davie described Strictly as “a wonderful show” and said “hundreds of people” involved in the series – including crew and dancers –have had “a brilliant experience”.

He told Sky News: “At the same time, if someone feels there was something wrong or they want 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.”

“So I hope that anyone who does want to talk to us, feels they can,” he continued. “It is vital, of course, that we have the right protocols and structures in place for the show. We keep these under review and 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.”

Dame Esther Rantzen shares view on ‘Strictly' scandal

Tuesday 23 July 2024 12:30

Jacob Stolworthy

Dame Esther Rantzen, the broadcaster who appeared on Strictly in 2004, has said the series has “become technically much more difficult” and “inflated beyond its worth”.

She told Times Radio: “I can understand why producers want the dance to be lovely, but actually, this is an entertainment show about amateurs.”

“The only worry I have is why it took so long for these complaints to surface,” Rantzen added.

“And if I were a producer, and I have been a producer in my time, that’s the question I would be asking myself with a bit of concern. I mean, I’m sure the steps they’ve taken will be effective, but they do need to ask themselves why nobody dares make a complaint when things go wrong.”

Janette Manrara addresses Will Bayley claim

Tuesday 23 July 2024 11:30

Jacob Stolworthy

Former Strictly professional dancer Janette Manrara, who now presents the companion show It Takes Two, has addressed claims made by her former celebrity partner, Paralympian Will Bayley.

Bayley sustained a life-changing knee injury after Manrara made him redo a jump following what she described as a “rubbish” attempt – and, while he said he “didn’t have an issue” with Manrara, he attributed the blame to the pressure the show’s producers put on the professionals.

More here:

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Awkward Graziano Di Prima and Zara McDermott interview resurfaces

Tuesday 23 July 2024 09:30

Mandip Ahdan

In the wake of Strictly pro Graziano Di Prima’s admission that he kicked celebrity partner Zara McDermott during rehearsals for last year’s series, old footage of the pair has been dredged up.

This includes an interview conducted by GraziaUK, who asked McDermott: “If you had to dance with another dancer for a week, who would you pick?”

The documentary presenter and formr Love Island star immediately replied: “I know who I’d pick.”

However, Di Prima initially refused to pick another contestant he would like to dance with and walked off in mock anger. But when he returned, he expressed surprise that McDermott came up with an answer so quickly, leaving her to defend herself.

James Jordan responds after Ola Jordan ‘bullying’ claims resurface

Tuesday 23 July 2024 08:30

Jacob Stolworthy

Former Strictly pro James Jordan has appe