Strictly scandal – live: Giovanni investigation result ‘imminent’ as huge star ‘signs up’ for 2024 series
Things are getting worse for the primetime show
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
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.
Ex-Strictly dancer Chloe Hewitt ‘shocked’ by complaints of abusive behaviour
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'
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
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
Here’s everything you need to know about the developments so far:
Timeline of Strictly scandal as two dancers axed from show
It’s been a tumultuous year for the beloved series
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.
Third Strictly Come Dancing star named as ‘person of interest’ amid scandal
The dancing show’s crisis seems to be worsening
Craig Revel Horwood weighs in on ‘shock’ Strictly scandal
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:
Craig Revel Horwood speaks out on ‘shock’ of scandal engulfing Strictly
TV star claims he learned of the allegations ‘through the press’
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments