Strictly celeb ‘so badly injured’ by ‘rough’ pro dancer before show had even started, claims her agent
A STRICTLY celeb was ‘badly injured’ by a ‘rough’ dancer before the show had even started, her agent has claimed.
Melanie Blake, 47, has waded in on the scandal surrounding the BBC dance competition.
In recent months Strictly Come Dancing has come under fire over abuse allegations against professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
Melanie has represented a number of famous faces over the years who have taken part in the show.
She took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share her “unbiased experiences” from then.
Melaine said in the tweet: “One incredibly high profile pro being so rough with our client that she was injured before they even began and thus couldn’t enjoy or do her best – same pro wanted to be out to focus on his career.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “We will not be commenting on individuals or engaging in speculation.
“However, as we have said previously we will always listen if people want to make us aware of something or raise it with us directly and we have appropriate procedures and processes in place to manage this.”
Last week viewers were left shocked when it was revealed Graziano Di Prima was sacked from Strictly.
It followed claims that he hit, kicked and spat at his celeb partner Zara McDermott, who he danced with on the series last year.
The Italian dancer later broke his silence, saying he “deeply regrets the events that led to my departure from Strictly”.
Love Islander Zara later posted a statement on Instagram revealing she was “scared to speak up”.
Strictly fans are convinced they’ve spotted Graziano Di Prima‘s replacement in a new cast photo.
Earlier this week the BBC show released a first look at its pro line-up in rehearsals ahead of the new series.
Some pointed out in a new snap that dancer Joshua Keefe was in amongst the gang.
One person wrote in a forum: “Joshua is back?? Please, make him a pro this year!”
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.”
Another agreed, adding: “This! 100% this! I would love to see him with a partner on Strictly.”
He has danced in previous series and also starred in the Strictly tour.
Former professional Giovanni Pernice is also under investigation for his conduct in rehearsals.
His dance partner Amanda Abbington, from last year, said that she was left her with post-traumatic stress disorder and demanded footage of her rehearsals.
She quit the show just weeks in after there were reports of the pair feuding.
Earlier this year Amanda said she was seeking legal advice.
Following that the BBC later launched an internal investigation into it all.
Giovanni denies all the allegations and quit the show in May.
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”.