Strictly celebs form ‘secret support group’ as dancers ‘all fear for their jobs’ amid Amanda Abbington complaint row
A HOST of Strictly celebs have formed a ‘secret support group’ amid the Amanda Abbington complaint row.
Former participants are comparing notes about their experiences and backing each other’s allegations as they build cases to bring to BBC bosses.
It’s left all the pro dancers ‘fearing for their jobs’ after Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima were axed from the show over shocking misconduct claims.
A source told The Sun: “Lots of the celebrities that have been on the show are getting together, calling each other and WhatsApping each other.
“They’re saying, ‘Well, this one did this to me, did this happen to you? Was this right? I was pushed. Or I got a bruised toe,’ and building cases to what shouldn’t have been allowed. They’re all comparing notes, as it were.
“And the celebrities are all backing each other’s claims, saying, ‘I did see the way they treated you and talked to you.’
“So, it’s really the celebs versus the dancers and former dancers, who are all worried for their jobs now because the celebs have got back their power.
“It’s like a punishment for all those gruelling training sessions. “
Last week, fans were shocked when it was revealed that professional Graziano had been fired after bosses were shown shocking footage from rehearsals with his former partner Zara McDermott, 27.
He was axed by the BBC following claims he hit, spat at and kicked her during rehearsals.
Last week, fans were shocked when it was revealed that professional Graziano had been fired after bosses were shown shocking footage from rehearsals with his former partner Zara McDermot, 27.
He was axed by the BBC following claims he hit, spat at and kicked her during rehearsals.
Graziano has since said that he “deeply regrets” events that led to his departure from the series.
Zara later took to social media to share a lengthy statement in which said she was “scared to speak up”.
The fresh allegations have come during the inquiry into claims that Giovanni bullied Amanda Abbington, 50, last year.
Former Love Island host Laura Whitmore was on the show with Giovanni in 2016.
However she didn’t have the best time on it.
She wrote for The Huffington Post: “I cried every day. And I really was broken, both mentally and physically, by the end.
“To the outside world, I tried to suck it up and smile, and I did that to the best of my ability, but it affected me deeply.
“My friends and family knew that I was struggling. And they were there for me.
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”.
“The media, however, saw me as blonde bait in a sequinned dress.”
Fern Britton danced with Artem Chigvintsev in 2012.
Three years later, she claimed the dancer used to “kick” and “shove” her during rehearsals.
She told The Times: “He was like: ‘Shut your face. Go home before I kill you.’
“I would say, ‘Oh please just kill me, it would be easier.'”
Artem denied the claims.
Just today, it emerged that Ola Jordan had been accused of bullying Steve Backshall.
Steve reportedly lodged a complaint with the BBC in 2014 about his show partner, claiming he found the practice sessions gruelling and difficult to endure.
Following his complaint, he and Ola were assigned a chaperone after he refused to be alone with the Polish dancer, MailOnline reports.
The programme’s bosses intervened after Steve alleged that her “rude and impatient” manner had undermined his confidence.
Her husband James Jordan was forced to hit back after a viral clip of him calling his celeb partner Georgina Bouzova “fat” circulated online.
The former show star was seen raging at Georgina as they argued in rehearsals back in 2006.
But James told how he has never had complaints from his Strictly co-stars in eight years of being on the show.
Instead he said the comments were made for “entertainment”.
Paralympian Will Bayley claimed a jump for the show was branded “rubbish” in rehearsals by Janette Manrara — before he severely hurt his leg trying to perform it better.
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.”
Will said he was encouraged to leap from a table despite his concerns and those of his coach.
And after hearing his leg crack and suffering “horrific pain”, he claims he was taken to a hotel room where his knee was iced instead of going to hospital.
He also says bosses made him feel like it was his fault, with his torn knee ligaments forcing him to pull out of the series in 2019.
The table tennis ace has now blasted Strictly bosses over his life-changing injury, following the jump which he claims show producers were told was too dangerous.
Dancer-turned-judge Anton has also been dragged into the row, after his former dance partner Laila Rouass complained about language he used in 2009. He has also apologised.
The BBC has launched an investigation and there will now be a chaperone “at all times” in training.
