TV presenter Laura Whitmore, who was partnered with Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing, has said she “raised concerns” about her alleged experience of “inappropriate behaviour” in the rehearsal room in 2016.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Whitmore said she thought she was alone in her experience but learned of the other allegations raised by former contestants.
She continued: “I am not looking for anything just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal room during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it won’t happen to anyone else again.”
Sherlock actor Amanda Abbington, who lifted the lid on the scandal with her own set of allegations against Pernice, gave a tell-all interview in which she claims there are “50 hours” of rehearsal footage that left BBC producers “horrified” by dance partner Pernice’s alleged behaviour.
On Saturday (27 July), the BBC faced a fresh batch of claims as former crew members alleged sexist and sexualised comments, and a “tense, toxic and uncomfortable” environment while working on the show.
Meanwhile, 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.
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
A timeline of the claims facing ‘Strictly'
17:04
Ellie Muir
Below, find out about all of the allegations and a timeline of the events.
Laura Whitmore statement in full
11:17
Ellie Muir
Laura Whitmore speaks out for first time
09:17
Ellie Muir
Former Love Island host Laura Whitmore, who was partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice in 2016, has alleged she was subjected to “inappropriate behaviour” while on Strictly Come Dancing.
It had been reported that Whitmore had made a complaint in the past – but this marks the first time she is publicly commenting.
The presenter, who had an ankle injury during the show, says she “raised concerns” at the time.
Pernice has previously denied “threatening or abusive behaviour” allegations made by Sherlock actor Amanda Abbington, who was partnered with him in 2023.
In an Instagram story shared on Saturday (27 July), Whitmore wrote: “I initially raised concerns back in 2016. I thought my experience was specific to me but I’ve since learned I was wrong.”
“The aim of this is to show a pattern of behaviour that I believe needs to stop.”
She said: “I am not looking for anything, just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal rooms during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it won’t happen to anyone else again.”
The television presenter went on to say she had not made an official complaint and was providing evidence of her experience to support the BBC’s investigation.
“I know the BBC and all outlets continue to do their best to be better, but for that to happen we must speak up,” she said.
The Independent has contacted the BBC and Pernice’s representatives for comment.
Graziano Di Prima is ‘under medical supervision’ after ‘Strictly’ axe
Saturday 27 July 2024 21:30
Ellie Muir
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.
Zara McDermott ‘danced through injury’ on ‘Strictly’
Saturday 27 July 2024 20:30
Ellie Muir
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.
Amanda Abbington claims ‘Strictly’ pros sent her concerning texts about Giovanni
Saturday 27 July 2024 19:30
Ellie Muir
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?”
Read more below:
Every claim facing the dancing show
Saturday 27 July 2024 18:31
Ellie Muir
Find out all of the allegations as the show continues to be under intense scrutiny.
Strictly’s days of being the nicest show on TV are over
Saturday 27 July 2024 17:30
Ellie Muir
“While other reality shows seem to traffic in exploitation and misery, Strictly has always felt like a beacon of niceness,” writes Katie Rosseinsky. “Strictly’s 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.”
Read more below:
BBC says it ‘does not recognise’ new allegations of toxic workplace culture
Saturday 27 July 2024 16:53
Ellie Muir
Strictly is facing a fresh batch of claims today as former crew members from the production team allege sexist and sexualised comments, and a “tense, toxic and uncomfortable” working environment.
Read more below:
Giovanni Pernice expects allegations to be clear ‘within a week’, according to reports
Saturday 27 July 2024 15:50
Ellie Muir
A source has told The Sun that the BBC probe into Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour could conclude “within the next week”.
Speaking to the newspaper, the anonymous source said: “Internal meetings are happening on an almost daily basis, and BBC execs are living in fear of a ‘smoking gun’ moment – something that irreversibly undermines and damages the entire brand, and brings Strictly crashing down.
“They are doing all they can to detoxify the show – new measures and protocol are in place to safeguard – and they hope to formally conclude the ongoing probe within the next week.”
The Independent has contacted the BBC for comment.
Amanda Abbington’s parents speak out
Saturday 27 July 2024 15:43
Ellie Muir
In a new interview, Abbington’s father John, 77, said he is “worrying” about his daughter all the time.
“It’s the after-effects I worry about too. Will she be able to carry on with her career?’’
He said his daughter is “no snowflake” and has “thick skin” from her days training at drama school.
John said he and Abbington’s mother, Patsy, were looking forward to seeing their daughter on the dancing show, but it quickly transpired she wasn’t enjoying it.
“We were all looking forward to it. After the first show, she came back and said it was the hardest thing she’d ever done. Things only got worse from there,” he said.
“I knew something was wrong with her because I could see the change in her,” said Patsy. “She had completely changed.”
John said that Abbington’s partner, Jonathan Goodwin, had to “coax” the actor into the car each day to get her to the Strictly training rooms because she “hated it so much”.
“She missed a week because she was not well, and went back for one week and realised then that she could not take what was happening to her,” John explained. “Then [her doctor] diagnosed her with post traumatic stress disorder.”
Ex-Strictly dancer Chloe Hewitt ‘shocked’ by complaints of abusive behaviour
Saturday 27 July 2024 15:20
Ellie Muir
A former professional dancer on Strictly has said she is “shocked” by the recent complaints of abusive behaviour facing the show.
Chloe Hewitt, who worked on the show in 2016 and 2017, said her experience was “positive” and “genuine”.
She told BBC Radio Stoke that the professionals worked closely and were all “tight-knitted”.
“Anything like this as a show, there’s a pressure to always want to do your best,” she said.
“It always seemed like everyone was working together when I was on the show.
“My experience was nothing more than positive and genuine.”
‘Death in Paradise’ star Ralf Little reportedly ‘signs up’ for new season of ‘Strictly'
Saturday 27 July 2024 10:31
Ellie Muir
Ralf Little, who played DI Neville Parker on Death in Paradise, has reportedly “signed up” for the 2024 series of Strictly.
It would be good timing for the actor after he left the BBC One mystery drama in March after five years in the role.
It comes as the show faces a wave of allegations concerning the conduct of some of its professional dancers.
The Independent has contacted Little’s representatives for comment.
Amanda Abbington’s parents say they feel ‘sorry’ for Giovanni Pernice
Saturday 27 July 2024 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
Saturday 27 July 2024 08:24
Ellie Muir
Here’s everything you need to know about the developments so far:
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:
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.
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:
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.”
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.”
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:
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.
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.”
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”.
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:
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.”
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:
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.
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:
