Nine burning questions as Strictly crisis grows – including whether MORE pros will be axed and celebs could snub show
STRICTLY Come Dancing is facing the biggest crisis in its history as it prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
The flagship BBC One reality show this week announced filming for the next series would begin next month, despite a growing storm over alleged abuse from professional dance partners towards celebrity contestants.
The scandal began when Amanda Abbington, who quit last year’s contest, accused Giovanni Pernice of “threatening and abusive behaviour” in January.
She branded the Italian star, 33, “nasty” and said she suffered mild PTSD from working with him – three of his other previous Strictly partners have since spoken up, too.
This week, Graziano Di Prima, 30, was fired by BBC bosses after it was claimed he ‘hit, kicked and spat’ at Love Island Zara McDermott in rehearsals last year.
In a statement, the pro dancer’s representative said: “There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right, and he knows that.”
With Graziano sacked for ‘gross misconduct’ and Giovanni – who denies all allegations – suspended while the BBC show carries out an investigation, fans have serious questions over the future of Strictly.
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede tells The Sun that it must recover its “reputation as a family show” urgently and believes the real test of what the public thinks about the scandals will be viewing figures when the new series airs.
He says: “I think the biggest problem is trust and that has been lost. “It’s a family show, loved by kids and grandparents alike. It is one of the only shows that is for everyone of all ages.
“But now we’ve seen two dancers leave and more stories coming out, even Nadiya [Bychkova] splitting up with Kai [Widdrington].
“People will not trust it as much as a family entertainment show because it’s become a bit of a soap opera.
“I think the real hard proof of the pudding is in the ratings, if people turn off that’s the biggest issue but we won’t know that until opening night of the new series.
“That’s when the BBC and producers will take a deep look at whether damage has been caused and if it will be a massive issue.”
Here, we examine 11 key questions the crisis-hit show faces ahead of the new series.
Are stars scared to speak out?
Last week, Amanda told The Sunday Times that she was “terrified of speaking out” about her experience on Strictly.
Initially, her reason for departing the show in October was listed as ‘medical reasons’ – but many suspected the Sherlock actress had clashed with Giovanni.
In the wake of speaking out, Amanda has been forced to quit social media due to vicious trolling from fans of the show and her ex dance partner.
She said: “It’s been awful, just relentless. Death threats and rape threats for just standing up for something that I thought was wrong.”
Giovanni came under fire for his “militant” training style and faced more allegations from former partners Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore.
In 2020, Good Morning Britain host Ranvi allegedly made a complaint to the BBC about the pro dancer, claiming to be “scared” of him.
Brand expert Nick says he’s not surprised stars have been reluctant to speak out due to it risking their careers and limiting TV show opportunities.
It’s not like your average day-to-day workplace, Strictly is a public BBC show that’s owned by us, the licence fee payers, so much more is at stake
Nick Ede, brand and culture expert
He tells The Sun: “Strictly feeds mouths and it also makes stars, so it’s a very difficult position to be in whether you’re a professional or a personality.
“Talking would leave you vulnerable because some other show may not want to employ a person if they have bad-mouthed a previous programme they appeared on.
“For the professionals, a lot of them aren’t from wealthy families and have worked their arses off to get where they are.
“Many of them support their families with the money they make from Strictly, so in that sense, they aren’t going to want to rock the boat because there can be repercussions.
“It’s also very public, it’s not like your average day-to-day workplace, Strictly is a BBC show that’s owned by us, the licence fee payers, so much more is at stake.”
Who will replace the axed dancers?
With two fan-favourites gone, the next question will be who could fill their shoes and whether there will be more scrutiny when the production team considers future hirings.
Earlier this month, Aljaž Škorjanec – who initially appeared on the show between 2013 and 2021 – was announced as one of the replacement dancers.
It won’t be difficult to find others to fill departed stars’ dancing shoes, according to Nick, who says: “There are lots of dancers out there and Strictly is a franchise.
“They have spin-off Dancing With The Stars, which is in America, Australia and New Zealand, where they have brilliant dancers.
“I’m sure they will find someone fun to refresh the list. While we all like household names, it’s always interesting to see someone new and whether they can live up to expectations.”
However, Nick suspects there will be in-depth checks before anyone new is hired.
“The BBC will carry out background checks and have a more stringent way of choosing dancers than in previous years,” he says.
I said honestly it’s hurting and I took them off and my feet were bleeding. I was like, ‘I told you I am not being dramatic!’
Zara McDermott
“I’m sure they will talk to each of the dancers about professionalism. The BBC has a duty of care not only for the dancers but the talent too.
“The talent is in the hands of the professionals and they will need to have trust in each of them. If they don’t there is a big issue.”
Will celebrities still sign up?
The shocking allegations have left bosses struggling to sign female celebrities, according to reports.
Graziano admitted to kicking his dance partner Zara once during a rehearsal last year. She has claimed it happened multiple times and that she was spat at too.
Zara also revealed she was left with “open wounds” after her partner insisted she could only wear men’s shoes with a ‘little Cuban heel’ while practicing in the studio.
Last year, she recalled: “I told him, ‘It’s not working, I need to take them off’ and he said, ‘No, no you’re fine’.
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.”
“I said honestly it’s hurting and I took them off and my feet were bleeding. I was like, ‘I told you I am not being dramatic!’”
Ahead of performances professionals and talent push themselves to the limit to ensure dances are polished and as perfect as can be.
Nick believes the recent scandals may leave some celebs “cautious” about signing up but ultimately, many will not be deterred due to career opportunities it can present.
He says: “I think celebs will be wary of signing up but I don’t think say no.
“Strictly as a platform is one of the most-watched shows in the UK. From social media to the news it’s on the tip of everyone’s tongues. Even now, it’s not on air but everyone is talking about it.
“So for any celebrity looking to reignite their career, reconnect with old audiences or connect with new ones, it will always be an option that will tempt them.
“Hopefully with the ‘infrastructure’ they are due to bring in place, people will be happy and feel it’s a safe space once again.”
Will the judges remain silent?
Despite the allegations, there has been a noticeable silence from Strictly’s judges – apart from Shirley Ballas.
In January, she called Giovanni an “absolute gentleman” and insisted he was “an absolutely splendid teacher”, whom she had no issues with.
“Strictly and shows like that they are tough shows so you know when you sign up for that kind of thing, it’s quite difficult to do the show,” she added on Lorraine.
Nick suspects none of the other judges will put their heads above the parapet, explaining: “It’s a tough one for them as they want to stay in their jobs.
“They may also have danced with the professionals or had relationships with them for many years.
“I suspect the judges will keep quiet, carry on and highlight the good things about Strictly rather than going down the rabbit hole of conditions in the dance world and beyond.”
Rumoured Strictly 2024 line-up so far...
Chris McCausland – Comedian, 47
GK Barry – YouTube star, 24
Dave Fishwick – Businessman and TV star, 53
Martin Roberts – TV presenter, 60
Danny Cipriani – Rugby ace, 36
Roman Kemp – TV and radio presenter, 31
Hannah Waddingham – Actress, 49
Helen Worth – Actress, 73
Will more heads roll?
With Zara and Amanda taking time to speak out about their alleged struggles, many fans will be wondering if it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Nick says: “I suspect a few more people may talk about difficulties on the show – especially those who were contestants.
“They may feel more able to speak up because a precedent has been set now, where the BBC has been welcoming of complaints and encouraged others to come forward.
“It’s a wise move from the BBC as it shows they are safeguarding and ensuring their duty of care.”
Supporting those making claims against dance partners could see “more heads roll”, Nick believes.
He says: “Hopefully the BBC has nipped it in the bud, especially because this is their flagship show and it’s entering its 20th year.
“But I’m sure if anyone else is considered a ‘risk’, then more heads will roll.
“These scandals have tarnished their launch and they will want to get back to reassuring the public the show will be bigger and brighter this year.”
Will it hamper the 20th anniversary plans?
Strictly bosses had big plans to mark being on air for two decades – including a special at Buckingham Palace which has now been scrapped.
A source told us: “It was felt by some that the decision to welcome the show might come to be seen in a negative light.”
Nick suspects Giovanni and Graziano could be “edited out” from any montages the show plans to produce along with anyone else whose name becomes tarnished.
“It’s a shame because they were much-loved figures on the show but I’m sure they will be edited out of any compilations,” he tells us.
“There will be an archive tribute to Bruce Forsyth as well as the best and funny moments, like John Sergeant dancing, and maybe they will bring back some of the old dancers.
Some of the best performances have been very sexy and passionate because of a relationship blossoming between the dancers, will that still happen or could they lose the ‘Strictly spark?’
Nick Ede
“I think Strictly will play into the nostalgia factor of the show and try to avoid mentioning too much about what is going on today.
“They will still want to celebrate the 20th anniversary as there are so many people involved in the show – from the bands to set designers and those in Blackpool.”
Will there be extra measures?
In response to concerns raised about participants’ wellbeing while training with the Strictly pros, the BBC announced plans to change things going forward.
They said there will be “additional steps to strengthen welfare and support” including having a member of the production team present during all rehearsals.
To fulfill those duties, they planned to introduce a ‘celebrity welfare producer’ and a ‘professional dancer welfare producer’.
They also announced additional training will be delivered to the production team and crew – to presumably help them spot problems and interject if necessary.
While these new steps are being added in a bid to boost confidence in the process, whether it will be enough remains up in the air.
Nick suggests having chaperones at rehearsals “may negatively affect the performances” as some of the celebrities may be “more self-conscious”.
“It’s like going to the gym and having people watch you work out,” he says. “Which could lead to worse dances.
If this opens the door for others to start talking about their experiences it would tarnish the brand past the point where it could redeem itself
Nick Ede
“It will be interesting to see if that makes performances better or worse. Also, the intimacy between dancer and celebrity may be affected too.
“Some of the best performances have been very sexy and passionate because of a relationship blossoming between the dancers, will that still happen or could they lose the ‘Strictly spark?’”
Worldwide concern?
Nick suspects Strictly will be able to bounce back – but warns there is one scenario that would see the show terminated.
He says: “Remember, this is a global show and so far it’s only people in the UK who have opened up about difficulties with dance partners.
“If this was to happen in America and the other territories where Strictly – or Dancing With The Stars as it is known – is broadcast as well it would be hard for the show to come back.
“If this opens the door for others to start talking about their experiences it would tarnish the brand past the point where it could redeem itself.”
Can the show survive?
This year will mark Strictly’s 20th anniversary – and since its inception it’s continued to win the hearts of audiences from all age groups.
While viewing figures have slightly decreased in recent years – dropping from 7.9million in 2021 to 6.6million last year for the show opener – it remains popular.
Nick says it has “the heart of the nation” so it “would be a shame for it to crumble due to what has happened”.
He added: “It’s extremely important that all of these allegations are addressed and infrastructures, such as chaperones and other measures, are introduced.
“We have to remember so many generations watch it up and down the country, many of whom will not be reading about these recent scandals. They simply love the show and tune in.
“It would be a shame for these issues with the show to tarnish Strictly as a whole, especially as it marks its 20th anniversary.”
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”.