Strictly scandal – live: Giovanni investigation result ‘imminent’ as huge star ‘signs up’ for 2024 series
Things are getting worse for the primetime show
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Strictly Come Dancing is embroiled in a behind-the-scenes bullying scandal – the biggest controversy the BBC competition has faced in its 20-year history.
Sherlock actor Amanda Abbington, who lifted the lid on the scandal with her own set of allegations against Giovanni Pernice, has claimed there are “50 hours” of rehearsal footage that left BBC producers “horrified” by her former dance partner’s alleged behaviour.
Pernice has denied all claims and, on Monday (29 July), learnt the result of the BBC’s investigation into the accusations. The findings are yet to be made public.
Meanwhile, Graziano Di Primawas 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.
Last week, 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.
What has Giovanni said about Amanda Abbington’s claims?
In a statement addressing Amanda Abbington’s recent 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.”
Giovanni Pernice result arriving today
The result of the BBC’s internal investigation into Giovanni Pernice’s behind-the-scenes behaviour is set to be announced today (29 July).
Pernice will meet with BBC bosses to learn the findings of the investigation, which was lauched after lcaims made by his former dance partner, Amanda Abbington.
Last week, Abbington claimed there were more than “50 hours” of footage that had left producers “horrified” by her alleged treatment by Pernice, who has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
Laura Whitmore statement in full
Graziano Di Prima is ‘under medical supervision’ after ‘Strictly’ axe
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’
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
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:
Amanda Abbington claims there’s ‘50 hours’ of ‘horrifying’ Strictly rehearsal footage
Abbington’s professional dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing
Every claim facing the dancing show
Find out all of the allegations as the show continues to be under intense scrutiny.
Strictly in crisis: Every claim facing the under-fire BBC show
It’s been a tumultuous year for the beloved series
Strictly’s days of being the nicest show on TV are over
“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:
Strictly Come Dancing is in crisis – its days of being the nicest show on TV are over
As at least two dancers face allegations about their behaviour during rehearsals, ‘Strictly’ bosses are facing a PR nightmare. Can the show restore its reputation in time for its 20th-anniversary celebrations, asks Katie Rosseinsky?
BBC says it ‘does not recognise’ new allegations of toxic workplace culture
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:
BBC says it ‘does not recognise’ new allegations of toxic culture at Strictly
New report alleges sexist and sexualised comments made to show staff, and a ‘tense, toxic and uncomfortable’ working environment
Amanda Abbington’s parents speak out
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.”
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