Strictly professional dancers unite in support of scandal-hit show as ‘four dancers face misconduct probe’
THE Strictly Come Dancing professionals have come out in force in support of the competition.
The BBC primetime show has been engulfed in scandal in recent weeks amid several misconduct allegations.
Giovanni Pernice, 33, previously quit the show after the corporation received complaints from a number of his celebrity partners.
Actress Amanda Abbington, 50, was amongst the stars thought to have spoken to bosses after his ‘militant’ style of training.
Graziano Di Prima, 30, was also previously sacked from the show for gross misconduct, after he allegedly ‘kicked’ Zara McDermott during rehearsals.
She issued a statement calling the footage ‘distressing’ as the former Love Island star admitted that she was scared to speak up.
But now, some of the other stars have united in support of the show, just as four dancers from Strictly Come Dancing face the misconduct probe, which include one of the star judges.
Dianne Buswell chose to brush aside the scandal as she opted for a day out with some of her co-stars.
She took to her Instagram stories over the weekend as she enjoyed the company of Michelle Tsiakkas and Nancy Xiu.
Michelle originally posted the snaps as they enjoyed lunch at Hot Pot in Chinatown.
Dianne then reshared the photo with the caption: “We’ve been looking forward to this day ever since pro tour. It was sooooo good.”
She added: “I have the bowl of garlic,” alongside an emoji of a vampire.
According to the Mail, the dancers are set to return to training on Monday, ahead of the 22nd series in September.
The publicly funded corporation has since made a series of drastic changes behind the scenes in an effort to save the show.
Each couple will be monitored in rehearsals by chaperones, whilst there will be dedicated producers in charge of welfare both the professionals and the celebrity cast.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, said: “Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act.
“Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals.
“The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production.”
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”.