Strictly confirms future of the show after abuse allegations and Graziano axe
STRICTLY Come Dancing bosses have confirmed the show is returning after abuse allegations and Graziano Di Prima’s axe.
It comes as the BBC announced new measures to protect celebrities taking part.
The show has been plunged into crisis after female celebrities came forward to complain about their treatment in rehearsals.
Graziano was axed from the show after shocking footage of his allegedn behaviour towards Zara McDermott was revealed.
Just months before, Giovanni Pernice, 33, left the show under investigation by the BBC following allegations of misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, which he denies.
In a fresh announcement today bosses have confirmed the show WILL return in September with presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the helm.
Judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse are also returning to judge 15 new celebrities in the ballroom.
In addition, bosses have invited Strictly fans to apply to watch the professionals performing their pre-recorded dance numbers for the 2024 series.
A statement said: “Strictly Come Dancing will be bringing the sparkle back to Saturday nights on BBC One later this year.
“And in advance of this year’s live shows we have an exciting opportunity to experience a taste of the magical studio experience by applying for tickets to watch our Strictly pros in action!”
The announcement comes hours after The Sun revealed Strictly’s golden couple Strictly’s Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington split after two years of datin have split after two years of dating.
Strictly announced their line-up of professional dancers ealier this year, and Giovanni was off the list.
Then last week they pulled Graziano from the 2024 line-up.
The Sun told how the BBC had been warned twice about Graziano’s conduct towards Zara during their training sessions last year.
Zara is understood to have been “too scared” to speak out.
In a statement on Instagram, she said it was a “dream come true” being on the show but that her “experience inside the training room was very different”.
Graziano Di Prima - Strictly statement in FULL
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.”
He continued: “While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
He concluded the post: “I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
Zara said: “I have wrestled with the fear of opening up — I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
“But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.”
She added seeing video footage of “particular incidents“ was “distressing”
The Sun also revealed a third pro dancer has been identified as a “person of interest” amid the probe into Strictly.
Insiders said the name of the male dancer, who is no longer part of the BBC show, had been given to lawyers Carter Ruck.
A source said: “A professional’s name has come up, alongside Giovanni and Graziano.
“He is no longer part of the show but he has been named as a person of interest. Conversations are ongoing and there are more people who need to be spoken to.
“A dossier is being compiled which will be handed over to the BBC.”
SHIRLEY BACKS GIO
The Sun revealed Giovanni, 33, quit earlier this year when his celeb partner Amanda Abbington claimed her time with him left her with post-traumatic stress disorder.
He is now at the centre of a bullying probe on the BBC dance show,
Ex-Love Island host Laura Whitmore, 39, is also contributing to the probe.
Two ex-Met cops are helping the BBC investigate the claims.
Gio vehemently denies the bullying allegations against him and has vowed to clear his name.
He has been backed by the show’s head judge Shirley Ballas, 63. She revealed he was attending a party of hers tomorrow and said: “I have known Giovanni for ten years.
“He has always been, to me — and I will make that clear — a perfect gentleman.”
SECOND AXE
Graziano, 30, was sacked after reality TV star Zara, 27, complained that he physically attacked and verbally abused her.
The Sun revealed this week the pro dancer is currently working as a farm labourer in Sicily — and has told pals he is “mentally shot”.
A source said: “It’s an astonishing fall from grace.”
Now, insiders are questioning whether his career can recover from damning claims he hit, spat and kicked Zara.
After another video emerged of Zara seemingly “passed out” backstage, the 27-year-old Love Island star responded in a lengthy statement and said she was “scared to speak up”.
The revelations will come as a huge blow to his beloved mother, who he once referred to as his “best friend forever”.
SILENT UNTIL NOW
Good Morning Britain host Richard Madeley has claimed people knew about harsh environment behind closed doors.
Rev Richard Coles, 62, who competed in 2017, has also suggested such behaviour was known about.
He said: “I’ve spoken to contestants and also professionals about it. And I think no one has been surprised that this stuff has surfaced.”
Dame Esther Rantzen, 84, who danced in 2004, said: “The only worry I have is why it took so long for these complaints to surface.
“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.”
The BBC says a production team member will now be at all rehearsals, and welfare producers are being hired.
A BBC spokesperson insisted: “This is not true. There is nothing to stop contestants raising concerns about their experience on the show.”
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.